Outrage from Trent University students and Peterborough residents is growing in response to Mayor Jeff Leal’s use of a racial slur — one the NAACP calls “one of the most offensive words in history” — during a guest lecture at Trent University almost three weeks ago.
Leal was speaking to students of a business administration class on the evening of March 19 when he veered off the topic of managerial skills and began talking about Lyndon B. Johnson, who was U.S. president from 1963 to 1969.
Although the Texas-born Democrat oversaw the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Johnson was also known for regularly using the n-word throughout his political career.
In a recording of Leal’s lecture made by a student and published by Trent University’s independent student newspaper Arthur, the mayor said “Lyndon Johnson was an F.D.R. New Dealer. He came out of the hills of Texas. He used this language that you would never use today, and he talked about poor n*****s and Mexicans that he taught Sunday school to.”
According to a story by Arthur’s Evan Robins, several students spoke to instructor Steven Girardi the week after the lecture to express their discomfort with Leal’s comments. Girardi later emailed an apology to the class and, according to Trent University and the mayor’s office, Leal also later delivered a written apology to the class.
However, members of the public were unaware of the mayor’s comments until Tuesday morning (April 8), when the mayor’s office issued a statement and apology from Leal. The statement did not reference the racial slur used, but Leal claimed that he used a “quote” from Johnson — which the audio recording shows is not the case.
“During a recent guest lecture at Trent University, I quoted a historical remark attributed to former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson from his time as a congressman in the 1930s,” Leal states. “In doing so, the quote that I used included a racial slur that is deeply offensive and hurtful.”
“I sincerely apologize,” Mayor Leal continued. “Regardless of the context or intent, using that word was wrong. I recognize the pain it carries and the responsibility I have to speak with care and respect. I apologize to Trent students and faculty, to Trent University, and to my community.”
“I believe in building a welcoming and inclusive community. I did not contribute to the betterment of my community when I used that quote – when I said those words. I am committed to listening, learning, and doing better.”
Also on Tuesday, Trent University released a statement in response to the incident, again not referencing the racial slur the mayor used.
“The University acknowledges that it is unacceptable to use racist language, regardless of context. We affirm that the University prohibits all forms of discrimination, harassment, racism and hate as per our policies. We apologize for the harm this caused to our students and recognize that words (racial slurs) can have lasting impacts on racialized students.”
“In an effort to ensure that such an occurrence is not repeated, the University will extend our equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-Black racism training to invited speakers. We will confirm that invited speakers are informed of our policies and joint responsibility to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment free from all forms of racism and hate.”
On Wednesday, the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) released a statement about the incident, announcing that it has filed a complaint to the Peterborough Integrity Commissioner.
In its statement, the TSCA calls on Trent University to provide assurance the mayor will not be invited back to campus, ensure a BIPOC member of Trent staff conducts DEI and Anti-Black racism training for guest speakers, and guarantee that future guest lecturers are properly screened and their content is reviewed before being presented to students.
The statement also calls on the City of Peterborough to conduct a review from the city’s integrity commissioner on the mayor’s conduct as per council’s code of conduct, mandate all city councillors and city staff to receive anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion training, and review and amend the city’s 2023-2050 strategic plan to include anti-racism and race relations as a strategic priority.
The TCSA also announced it will be hosting a sit-in at City Hall at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 28.
“We invite Trent students and Peterborough community members to join us. We urge Peterborough residents to consider the values of the people representing them. Individuals who spread hate do not deserve to hold political power.”
The TSCA also encouarged “anyone wishing to express their dissent” to contact the mayor’s office at 705-742-7777 ext. 1870 or to email cityptbo@peterborough.ca.
As for the reaction of city councillors to Mayor Leal’s comments, councillor Joy Lachica shared a statement with kawarthaNOW.
“It’s unconscionable that this choice was made,” Lachica said, referring to the mayor’s comments. “I’m sickened that we are here responding to such an inexcusable affront.”
“In my term as an elected representative of the City of Peterborough, I have spoken to and made motions about the need to scaffold the crucial anti-racism and equity work we need to build. This call to equity is reflected in our council and regionally endorsed community safety and well-being plan. I wish to express my deepest sorrow, regret and solidarity to each and every student and community member impacted far and wide.”
City councillor Alex Bierk also provided a statement to kawarthaNOW.
“I have not spoken with the mayor, but I am interested to understand what meaningful action will be taken in response to this incident,” Bierk said. “As a city councillor, I find the mayor’s use of a racial slur inexcusable and deeply harmful — it reflects extremely poor judgment. This language has no place in our city — in any context. I stand with those who have been hurt by this incident and fully support the calls for accountability.”
News about the mayor’s comments is also circulating on social media, with several people calling for Leal’s resignation.
“It’s not just that he said it,” writes one person. “It’s that he didn’t know not to say it.”
This story has been updated to correct the surname of Steven Girardi.
