The Ontario education minister has been criticized for attending a slave auction event when he was part of a fraternity at Western University in the late 2000s.
The report, first published in PressProgress, describes how Stephen Lecce took part in a charity auction in his second year at Sigma Chi University in 2006.
Lecce, who is Ontario’s education minister under Prime Minister Doug Ford and the progressive-conservative King-Vaughn MPP, has since made history. Lecce did not deny his participation and apologized.
“The 2006 event was inappropriate and in no way reflects who I am as a person, which is why I apologize unreservedly,” Lecce said. “I will continue to passionately support the interests of all Ontarians – regardless of religion, heritage, orientation or race.
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The story comes when Ontario goes to the provincial elections, as the campaign enters its eighth day. Lecce is seeking re-election for his riding.
The Ontario NDP, meanwhile, is calling for accountability and wants to see Lecce step down as education minister and in public office.
“Slavery is not a joke. “Participation in racist, dehumanizing actions cannot be allowed,” several NDP candidates wrote in a joint statement.
“Mr. Lecce must apologize for the deep pain caused by his actions, be educated and try to correct himself against black communities,” the statement continued. anxiously our children should not be represented by him at this time.
“We urge him to resign as a candidate for the post. If it fails, Doug Ford and the PC team must remove it. We also call on Doug Ford, as the leader of the PC Party, to clearly and unequivocally condemn Mr Lecce’s actions. “
The provincial elections are scheduled for June 2nd.
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