Teacher wants media blackout at his hearing
Argues reporting would taint evidence Accused of making sexual comments
The Ontario College of Teachers discipline committee has adjourned a case against a Windsor teacher accused of professional misconduct to consider whether to ban the media from reporting on the evidence.
In a move media lawyers said would be an “extraordinary” breach of freedom of the press, the lawyer for high school teacher William Fabel has asked that none of the evidence be reportsaid ed on until 20 witnesses — some of them former students — have testified, to ensure their evidence is not “ tainted” by media reports.
Fabel is accused of making sexual comments to students between 1997 and 2002 at a Catholic school, although the college announced this week it will not pursue earlier allegations that he also praised Hitler and Osama bin Laden and insulted an array of racial groups.
Fabel’s lawyer, David Bloom, a blackout would ensure witnesses are not influenced by the media, but the college said this is not necessary, and has sent a letter asking witnesses to avoid media accounts. Toronto Star
lawyer Tony Wong said such a blackout contradicts the college’s own rule that hearings be public unless they deal with personal or financial matters, pose a security risk, or prejudice another civil or criminal case.
“ Openness is vital to maintaining confidence in public institutions,” Wong said. The disciplinary tribunal did not say when it will reach a decision, but lawyers suggested that any ruling could be sent to the Divisional Court for judicial review.
Fabel was fired three years ago by the Windsor- Essex Catholic District School Board but is still certified to teach in Ontario pending the case’s outcome.