Trent Central Student Association planning sit-in at City Hall after Peterborough mayor used a racial slur at recent lecture

There are now calls for Peterborough’s mayor to resign in the aftermath of a recent lecture at Trent University in which a racial slur was used.

The Trent Central Student Association continues to pressure the university and city to take decisive action against Mayor Jeff Leal for what it calls a deeply troubling incident on March 19th while speaking to a business administration class.

TCSA VP of Health & Wellness Kyra Myderwyck spoke with PTBOTODAY.ca and confirmed they have put in a formal complaint with the city’s Integrity Commissioner.

The association’s VP of University and College Affairs Gold Jegede says he reached out to the Head of the Department of Business shortly after the incident. Jegede says they were hoping to have Leal come back and make an in-person apology but that wasn’t done.

But did Leal actually get the invite? Leadership did clarify they suggested to the university that Leal be invited back but couldn’t confirm if he ever received that message. PTBOTODAY.ca reached out to the mayor’s office, who stated to us:

“The Mayor was not invited back to campus to make an in-person apology. He sent an apology to the class through the instructor, and issued a public apology earlier this week.”

Looking ahead, TCSA President Iyiola Alade says a sit-in protest at Peterborough City Hall is scheduled for Monday, April 28 at 5:00 p.m. He is encouraging Trent students and community members to attend in solidarity.

As part of a statement released by Trent, the university acknowledged that it is unacceptable to use racist language, regardless of context and affirmed that it prohibits all forms of discrimination, harassment, racism and hate as per our policies. Going forward, the statement also read the University will extend equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-Black racism training to invited speakers.

On Tuesday, Leal put out a statement regarding the incident:

During a recent guest lecture at Trent University, I quoted a historical remark attributed to former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson from his time as a congressman in the 1930s. In doing so, the quote that I used included a racial slur that is deeply offensive and hurtful.

I sincerely apologize. Regardless of the context or intent, using that word was wrong. I recognize the pain it carries and the responsibility I have to speak with care and respect. I apologize to Trent students and faculty, to Trent University, and to my community.

I believe in building a welcoming and inclusive community. I did not contribute to the betterment of my community when I used that quote – when I said those words.

I am committed to listening, learning, and doing better.