PressProgress released a story on Tuesday, May 10 alleging that Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce participated in so-called ‘slave auctions’ while a member of the local chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity when he was an undergraduate student at Western University.
The auction saw members of the fraternity be auctioned off as ‘slaves’ to ‘owners’ as a charity event.
Lecce himself was listed as one of the ‘slaves’ to be auctioned off on November 28, 2006. Two days later, November 30 was advertised by the fraternity as “SLAVE DAY” a day in where “slaves [are] obligated to be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or other time negotiated with the ‘owner.'”
PressProgress interviewed Nigel Barriffe, president of the Urban Alliance on Race Relations to get his reaction to the allegations against Lecce.
“It’s extremely worrying that this guy has been in charge of the largest school system in Canada for the last four years,” Barriffe, who is also an elementary school teacher in Ontario, told PressProgress. “At a time when we see the rise of right-wing extremism, when we see right-wing politicians that continue chase after them to try to curry their favour, when we continue to see swastikas and symbols of anti-Black racism that are painted in schools, it is just abhorrent that we continue to have an education minister that won’t distance himself from these disgusting behaviours.”
Lecce for his part issued an apology for the events that took place under his watch at the Epsilon Omicron chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity at Western University.
“The event from 2006 was inappropriate and in no way reflects who I am as a person, which is why I unreservedly apologize,” Lecce said in a press statement. “I will continue to passionately advance the interests of all Ontarians — irrespective of faith, heritage, orientation or race.”
Teachers call for action
The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, an elementary teachers union that represents over 83,000 Ontario teachers, released a statement condemning Lecce’s anti-Black racist behaviour and called on Ontario Premier Doug Ford to act on the issue.
“His participation in a slave auction fundraiser raises serious concerns about the minister’s understanding of anti-Black racism, and his ability to serve and support students, education workers, and families, particularly those who identify as Black,” the ETFO statement reads. “Minister Lecce willingly participated in an event that minimized slavery and trivialized its brutality and harmful impacts. It calls his judgement into question, as well as his commitment to dismantling anti-Black racism in the education sector. How can someone who does not have a clear understanding of and commitment to this work be responsible for implementing education policies that are intended to disrupt anti-Black racism and other forms of oppression?”
The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario went on to say they did not find Lecce’s apology acceptable.
“Anti-Black racism is deeply distressing and hurtful, and an apology that neglects to even acknowledge it is not sufficient. Ontarians deserve more from their elected officials. Leaders must work to confront and eliminate anti-Black racism, not perpetuate it,” the statement reads.
Fraternity acknowledges there has been problematic behaviour
Sigma Chi Fraternity chapters are encouraged to hold charity events during the organizations international “Derby Days” fundraising campaign. The latest Derby Days Guide issued by the Sigma Chi International Fraternity acknowledged that there have been problems in the past with some of the fundraisers chapters have undertaken.
“Unfortunately, Derby Days has been cited for cases of inappropriate treatment of people in certain instances,” the guide reads. “In fact, on some college and university campuses, the event has been banned due to demeaning or offensive activities. In some instances, this treatment has even escalated into cases of sexual harassment and assault.”
The guide goes on to list the following “basic rules” for fundraising events:
No sponsorships from:
- Alcohol distributors or manufacturers;
- Bars or taverns;
- Tobacco companies;
- Vape, legal or illegal marijuana distributors;
- or Any other socially sensitive venue or commercial vehicle.
No event or activities will be centered around:
- Alcohol consumption;
- Auction of human beings or servitude;
- Selling or distributing animals of any kind;
- Eating contests;
- Beauty contests;
- Racially or sexually insensitive activity or material; Illegal or immoral activities;
- or Female-only skits
“(I)t is critical that every brother understands that Derby Days is not a week-long license to suspend our values,” the guide states. “Raising money for a good cause does not suspend one’s obligation to treat others with dignity and respect.”
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