BC Teacher Disciplined for Classroom Conduct

Reprimand Overview

A teacher in British Columbia has been sanctioned for failing to ensure an inclusive classroom environment. The reprimand includes not using students' preferred pronouns and using derogatory terms when addressing students.

The disciplinary action comes from a consent resolution with the BC Commissioner for Teacher Regulation, regarding the conduct of William Donald Harvey, who taught in Burnaby. The issues occurred between 2021 and 2023 while he was teaching Grade 11 French at School District 41.

Specific Instances of Misconduct

• The commissioner noted that Harvey consistently neglected to use some students' preferred pronouns, even after being reminded.
• In November 2023, he publicly referred to three students who were struggling academically as "slackers."
• Harvey made inappropriate comments regarding a student's cultural background, asking one of Japanese descent about their drinking habits at parties.
• In September 2021, he explained terminologies related to different nationalities in a way that made a student from Pakistan feel embarrassed and upset.
• Most recently, in October 2023, he taught students a derogatory French term, leaving at least one student uncomfortable.

Consequences and Further Training

The teacher received a letter of discipline in January 2024 and was mandated to complete a course on classroom management and anti-racism strategies, which he finished in February 2024. A formal investigation was initiated in July 2024, resulting in a requirement for him to attend a course on creating a positive learning environment by March 31, 2025. Failure to complete this course could lead to the suspension of his teaching certificate.