A Caledon vice-principal is under investigation after showing up at school with his face painted dark brown as part of a Halloween costume, invoking the derogatory “blackface” tradition.

Lionel Klotz, who apparently turned himself into a likeness of 1980s actor Mr. T during school festivities at Mayfield Secondary School last week, will stay home until the matter is resolved, said Peel District School Board spokesperson Carla Pereira. The board investigation is expected to wrap up Tuesday.

The board has received complaints from students, staff and the public about the choice of costume, particularly after a photo began to circulate widely on social media. The photo depicts Klotz in overalls and a black shirt, draped with chains, skin painted brown.

“I found it unacceptable, it’s insensitive,” said Peel resident Rad Dockery, who posted the photo on Twitter. “I don’t think it was malicious but I was offended.”

Blackface has its roots in performances from the 19th century, when actors would apply dark face paint and portray black people in mocking, stereotyping caricatures. Klotz did not respond to requests for comment Monday evening.

In a statement, Peel director of education Tony Pontes apologized for “the hurt caused by this incident.”

“Our board does not condone or tolerate actions of this type,” the statement read, in part. “Be assured that we have taken immediate action to investigate the incident and to follow up with appropriate education, communication and remedies as guided by our human rights policy.”

Stan Cameron, trustee for Caledon, said he’s “disappointed.”

“I’m very concerned about the staff member’s inappropriate choice in the Halloween costume,” said Cameron, who received a deluge of tweets, emails and phone calls from upset community members. “We ask people to be sensitive and we expect sensitivity.”

Cameron’s daughters attended Mayfield — one of two regional arts schools in Peel. He said Halloween is a festive time when students and staff strut their creativity.

“It’s a big show of art,” said Cameron. “And in this case, it was a show of poor judgment.”

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Read more about: