School Student Seeks Justice Over Antisemitic Bullying and Assault

PDSB, principal, and teacher named in lawsuit alleging discrimination and negligence

Toronto, ON – June 4, 2025 – A statement of claim was filed on Monday at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against the Peel District School Board (PDSB), members of the administration, and a teacher on behalf of a Jewish elementary school student (Plaintiff) who endured a sustained campaign of antisemitic bullying and harassment in the months following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.

The student was subjected to physical assault, hate speech, and repeated targeting related to the war. Despite repeated complaints to teachers and school administrators, no meaningful steps were taken to ensure the Plaintiff’s safety.

The lawsuit outlines how the defendants – the Peel District School Board, Superintendent of Education Soni Gill, Principal Michael Poole, and the Plaintiff’s teacher Matthew McIntosh – enabled a hostile, antisemitic environment through their repeated failure to intervene, uphold school policies, hold offenders accountable, and protect the Plaintiff. It alleges that they were negligent and breached their duties of care by violating Board policies, failing to meet their obligations under the Education Act, and discriminating against the Plaintiff in contravention of the Human Rights Code. In some cases, the Defendants are alleged to have directly contributed to or enabled the antisemitic conduct.

Examples of the serious antisemitic bullying and discrimination that the Plaintiff suffered, solely because of their religion, include:

• During a pro-Palestinian protest on school grounds during school hours, in the presence of faculty members, the student was identified as Jewish. Approximately 40 students subsequently surrounded the student and directed antisemitic chants at them, including “Jews must die” and “Jews are not worthy of living.”

• Following this protest, the principal attempted to shift blame onto the Plaintiff by claiming they “didn’t exactly hide that [they were] Jewish.”

• Being physically assaulted by students who pushed the Plaintiff and blocked their access to the school bus.

• Finding “Free Palestine” stickers placed on the Plaintiff’s locker, despite having no connection to Israel or its government.

• Being singled out by a teacher because of the Plaintiff’s Jewish identity, causing distress and humiliation.

The Plaintiff’s family chose to pursue legal action in hopes of ensuring other Jewish students in Peel are not forced to endure similar conditions. The case is seen as part of a broader pattern of institutional failure across the school board and its senior leadership to uphold obligations under the Education Act and Ontario’s Human Rights Code. By bringing this case forward, the family seeks to prompt meaningful behaviour modification within the school board, encouraging systemic changes that prioritize the safety, dignity, and human rights of all students.

The statement of claim is available here: Statement of Claim; Issued June 2, 2025; Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

The Plaintiff is seeking $750,000 in general damages, $100,000 in punitive, aggravated and/or exemplary damages, and a court declaration that the Defendants failed in their legal duties.

This matter is being led pro bono by Toronto lawyer Jamie Spotswood, who was partnered with the family by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs’ Legal Task Force.

QUOTES

Plaintiff’s Litigation Guardian:

"No child should be afraid to go to school because of who they are. My child was targeted, humiliated, and physically assaulted just for being Jewish – and the people who were supposed to protect them failed to take meaningful action to stop the abuse. We took this step not just for my child, but for every Jewish student who deserves to feel safe and supported in the classroom."

Jamie Spotswood, Counsel for the Plaintiff:

"This case reflects a profound failure by the Peel District School Board to uphold its duty of care. Schools have a legal and moral obligation to protect all students from hate and violence. When that duty is ignored – especially in the face of such serious antisemitic abuse – the law must step in to ensure accountability and justice."

Richard Marceau, Vice President, External Affairs and General Counsel, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA): 

"CIJA’s Legal Task Force is proud to support this important legal action. Antisemitism has no place in Canadian schools, and institutions must be held accountable when they allow hate to fester unchecked. The courage of this young student and their family sends a powerful message: our community will not stay silent when Jewish children are made to feel unsafe simply for being who they are.

“The PDSB has already been placed under supervision for its failure to protect students from racism and hate. If it remains unable to uphold that basic responsibility, the government must intervene to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.

“We are incredibly thankful for the pro bono services provided by Jamie Spotswood. None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our Legal Task Force volunteers, who have dedicated their time and expertise to advancing justice and ensuring Jewish students can learn in safe, inclusive environments. Their work is making a difference – not just for this family, but for all students in Ontario.”

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Additional Background

• PDSB has a history of racism and antisemitism.

  • In 2020, the PDSB was placed under supervision for failing to address serious issues of anti-black racism. Peel District School Board supervision: final report | ontario.ca

  • There have been instances of antisemitism recorded in the school board since well before October 7, 2023; however, they have increased in number and severity.

    • In December 2023, an article was published in the National Post detailing the antisemitism that teachers in the PDSB were experiencing at the hands of their colleagues and the school board.

    • For a brief time, a sweatshirt showing the map of Israel with words "Free Palestine" written over top was for sale on the school board's website. It was removed after several complaints.

• Press Release: Antisemitism in Toronto Is Escalating – And the Numbers Prove It

• Press Release: Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes in Toronto more than Doubled in 2023

• Press Release: Jewish community victimized in 70% of all religion-motivated hate crimes in Canada

• CIJA Legal Task Force: This pro bono legal team has helped over 550 Canadian victims of antisemitism since Oct. 7 (The Canadian Jewish News)