The Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) has recently declared Michael Anthony Del Grande, a certified teacher and former Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) trustee, guilty of professional misconduct after a lengthy investigation following complaints about his behavior towards a student and remarks made during intense board discussions in 2019.
The disciplinary proceedings revealed that Del Grande engaged in misconduct during two board committee meetings in September and November 2019, as well as in subsequent media interactions.
During a Catholic Values Subcommittee meeting on September 25, 2019, Del Grande’s conduct towards a student who opposed showing an anti-abortion film in schools was deemed inappropriate. He displayed disrespectful behavior, including eye-rolling, snickering, a hostile tone, and telling the student, “You’ve been brainwashed by the liberals.”
Further findings indicated that Del Grande raised his voice at the student during the November 7, 2019 Student Achievement Committee meeting, causing her discomfort and distress. He also opposed the inclusion of terms like “gender identity” and “gender expression” in the board’s Code of Conduct, suggesting unrelated sexual terms should also be added.
The Ontario College of Teachers determined that Del Grande’s actions constituted verbal abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, unprofessional conduct, and conduct unbecoming a member as per Ontario Regulation 437/97.
Del Grande has been an OCT member since 2002, with qualifications in history, religious education, and business studies – accounting, and has completed the college’s sexual abuse prevention program. While his teaching certificate currently retains good standing, a penalty hearing is scheduled for August 26, where his status may be reassessed.