Markham principal who apologized for 'inappropriate' Facebook posts on leave until 2017
Ghada Sadaka apologized earlier this month over posts, which have been removed from her page
The Markham elementary school principal who apologized for Facebook posts that some parents decried as offensive to Muslims is now on leave until the new year.
Ghada Sadaka, principal of Sir Wilfrid Laurier Public School in Markham, announced her temporary leave in the school's December newsletter, which was sent out last week.
In her "from the principal's desk" note, which opens each newsletter, Sadaka said she would be taking a leave for medical reasons.
"On the advice of my doctor, due to a pre-existing medical condition, I will be away temporarily until after the New Year," Sadaka wrote.
A spokesman for the York Region District School Board confirmed via email that Sadaka is on leave.
"As Ms. Ghada Sadaka has communicated to her school community; she is currently on leave due to a pre-existing medical condition and her return is anticipated in the new year," Licinio Miguelo told CBC Toronto.
He did not provide further details about when Sadaka's leave began or what date she is expected back at work.
'I accept sharing the posts was discriminatory'
Complaints surfaced in September about a series of posts on a Facebook page belonging to Sadaka.
In one, Sadaka shared a CNN video about Islam in Britain, adding her own comment: "This has to go viral. Share and post! Oh Lord."
In another, Sadaka shared a photo showing two sets of women with the caption: "If bikinis are banned in Muslim countries, then burkas should be banned in Europe ..." Sadaka wrote, "Share if you agree."
The posts have been removed from her page, and Sadaka apologized for them in a statement she issued earlier this month.
"In the last two months, I have … learned a number of lessons about how sharing inappropriate posts on social media has affected those around me," she wrote in the statement.
"Upon reflection, I accept sharing the posts was discriminatory, and should not have occurred."
Sadaka issued her apology the same day that Ontario Minister of Education Mitzie Hunter met with board leadership over the issue. Hunter had received a letter from community members criticizing the board's handling of its investigation into Sadaka's posts, particularly over a lack of transparency.
The YRDSB confirmed to CBC News in October that an investigation had taken place, but declined to disclose the results. In an email, trustee Billy Pang said because the probe was of "a personnel nature," he was not in a position to share any details.
Earlier this month, Miguelo reiterated that position and declined to share if Sadaka had faced any consequences or undergone any sensitivity training as a result of the posts.
'The community has voiced particular concerns'
Last week, Hunter sent a letter to board trustees requesting an action plan outlining how it will address the allegations of Islamophobia, among other concerns, and demanded a response by Jan. 13.
In her letter, addressed to all YRDSB trustees, Hunter said she continues to "have concerns" about how the board is addressing the problems "and, therefore, am making a specific request for information about the current issues and plans for how the board will move forward."
She said she respects the need for confidentiality about the specifics of the investigation into Sadaka's posts. But she asked the board to provide details about its process for such investigations and how it ensures that process is followed, as well as the standards to which board employees are held accountable and what disciplinary measures are possible when those standards aren't met.
"The community has voiced particular concerns over the transparency of this process and seeks clarity of what are the acceptable standards of behaviour in these circumstances," Hunter wrote. "What will you do to appropriately respond to this community and to the public?"
Board chairwoman Anna DeBartolo issued a statement saying she had expected the letter from Hunter.
"As with the previous discussion, we welcome the opportunity to articulate, in writing, all the work we have done to date to address the issues raised and the action plan going forward," DeBartolo said.
"Our region is one of the most diverse in the country, and we remain committed to equity and creating learning environments that are accepting, safe and welcoming for all students and staff members."