st patrick Patriots

Toronto school investigating man who wore blackface to anti-racism protest

While the two protests that took place in Toronto yesterday were largely peaceful and positive, the demonstration that started in Nathan Phillips Square was rudely interrupted by a man in blackface

The man, who arrived at the event with his face, neck, and hands, covered in black paint, laughed at protesters and acted smug when they asked what he was doing there and told him to go home. 

"If I want to put this on my face I can put it on my face," he yelled at demonstrators. 

The man was quickly arrested by police for breach of the peace, but many have since pointed out that he was wearing a sweatshirt with a logo from St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School near Danforth and Coxwell.

One Twitter user highlighted this point and asked the school if the man is one of their students or faculty members. 

The school's Twitter account responded to the question and clarified that he is not currently a student or faculty at St. Patrick, but they're investigating to figure out whether or not he's an alumnus.

They also condemned his actions as "offensive" and "unacceptable."

"He is not a student or faculty at St. Patrick. We are investigating to see if he is an alumnus (the Patriots logo is from before 2013)," they wrote.

"His actions are offensive and unacceptable to our community."

St. Patrick also confirmed the logo on the sweater is what the school used prior to 2013.

Lead photo by

Video


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

You can take in breathtaking valley views along the Vista Rouge Trail in Toronto

Downsview Park in Toronto is a massive urban park around an artificial lake

Canada is seeing one of the worst standard-of-living declines in 40 years

Tributes pour in after death of Toronto City Councillor Jaye Robinson

It's going to get way easier to pay transit fare in Toronto with your phone

TTC literally just gave CEO Rick Leary an award days after chaotic subway shutdown

An aggressively spreading invasive species is completely taking over a Toronto park

50 tourist attractions in downtown Toronto you need to visit at least once