Michael Holbrook suspended over insensitive topless sailor posters
Holbrook superimposed colleague's face on image of 2 topless sailors before LGBT education day
A teacher in Delta, B.C., has been disciplined for using classroom computers and printers to create insensitive posters that he then distributed in the lead up to a day intended to educate students about LGBT issues.
The B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation says Michael James Holbrook admitted to superimposing the face of a male colleague on a photograph of two topless men dressed as sailors. A caption on the poster said the school's name followed by "LGBT."
The commission says at least eight copies of the poster were distributed by Holbrook around school where students and staff could see them.
The incident happened last April just before the school held a "Rainbow Day" celebration — a day dedicated to educating students and staff about issues that affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
As a result, Holbrook received a five-day suspension and was ordered to attend a training program on bullying in the workplace. He has since completed both and is now back teaching in the classroom.
The Delta School District says it takes all matters relating to professional conduct seriously.