A DEI Session, Bullying, and a Tragic Suicide: Megyn Kelly Show Weekend Extra | Ep. 606
Aug 12, 2023
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Megyn Kelly talks to journalist Rupa Subramanya about her report on a tragic suicide resulting from a DEI session. They discuss pushback against the narrative, racism debate between Canada and the US, consequences of remaining silent, and the need for vigilance in DEI training.
The DEI training session led to the tragic suicide of Richard Bilkstow, highlighting the detrimental effects of a toxic training experience on mental health
Richard Bilkstow's career and personal life were severely impacted by the distressing DEI training incident, resulting in isolation, marginalization, and the loss of professional opportunities
Deep dives
The Tragic Consequences of DEI Training
This podcast episode discusses the tragic suicide of Richard Bilkstow, a Toronto principal, following his experience with a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training session. The DEI training, outsourced by the Toronto District School Board to the Cojo Institute, had a negative impact on Richard and led to his isolation and humiliation. Despite Richard's polite pushback and defense of Canada's inclusiveness compared to the US, he was labeled a racist by the session leader, Kiki Ojot-Thompson. The session recordings reveal Kiki mocking Richard and treating him as an example of white supremacy. The intense stress and subsequent mistreatment from the school board and community caused Richard's mental health to decline, ultimately leading to his tragic suicide.
Richard Bilkstow's Passion for Education
Richard Bilkstow was a dedicated and passionate educator who loved teaching and mentoring students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. He had a successful career in adult education and was recognized as a leader in the field. Despite retiring in 2019, Richard continued to work as a supply principal, demonstrating his deep love for teaching. In 2020, he was hired as a principal in Toronto, and his exemplary work led to his contract being renewed for the fall of 2021. However, his life took a downturn after experiencing the distressing incident at the DEI training session organized by the Toronto District School Board.
The Controversial DEI Training Session
The DEI training session conducted by the Cojo Institute became a turning point in Richard Bilkstow's life. During the session, Kiki Ojot-Thompson, the CEO of the Cojo Institute, made alarming claims about Canada being a bastion of white supremacy and downplayed the racial challenges faced by black Canadians. Richard, who had experienced teaching in an inner city school in the US, politely challenged these claims, highlighting Canada's efforts towards equality. Instead of fostering healthy debate or addressing Richard's perspective, Kiki responded with hostility and accused him of perpetuating white supremacy. This interaction marked the beginning of Richard's traumatic experience.
The Unfortunate Aftermath and Legacy
Following the incident, Richard Bilkstow faced severe consequences. The school board failed to honor his contract to return as a principal and withdrew other teaching opportunities, leaving him isolated and marginalized. School officials, who once admired him, distanced themselves from him, causing immense stress and anxiety. Richard sought support and made claims of workplace harassment, which were later validated by an investigation. The school board's failure to protect Richard and the subsequent cancellation of his professional prospects had a devastating impact on his mental health. This led to his tragic suicide on July 13th, 2023. Unfortunately, the Cojo Institute and Kiki Ojot-Thompson have shown no remorse, doubling down on their actions and portraying themselves as victims. This heartbreaking story highlights the distressing consequences of a toxic DEI training session and the urgent need for accountability and change.
For this weekend extra episode, Megyn Kelly talks to journalist Rupa Subramanya about her recent report for The Free Press, "A Racist Smear. A Tarnished Career. And the Suicide of Richard Bilkszto." Find out the full story of what happened during the DEI session, the bullying that came after, and Subramanya's reporting on the incident.