Peterborough, Ont., mayor prompts backlash for using n-word during guest lecture at Trent University

Trent University's undergraduate students union is asking the school not to invite Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal back to campus after he used the n-word while speaking to a class last month. 

The incident happened on March 19, when Leal attended a Trent business class as a guest lecturer, according to a statement from the Trent Central Student Association. 

"Furthermore, he expressed racist sentiments that demeaned both the Black and Mexican communities," the statement says. 

"The City of Peterborough should hold its mayor to a higher standard."

The students union says it has filed a complaint with the city's integrity commissioner over the incident and plans to host a sit-in at city hall on April 28. 

"We urge Peterborough residents to consider the values of the people representing them," says the statement, which is dated April 9. 

"Individuals who spread hate do not deserve to hold political power."

The union is also calling on the university to ensure guest speakers are properly screened, including having their content reviewed before it's presented to students, and that they receive anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion training.

Leal apologized for the remark in a statement posted to the city's website Tuesday, where he said he was quoting a historical remark attributed to former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson from the 1930s. 

"In doing so, the quote that I used included a racial slur that is deeply offensive and hurtful," Teal said. 

"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."

In its own statement published Tuesday, Trent University thanked students who came forward to express their concerns, adding that it is unacceptable to use racist language "regardless of context." 

"We apologize for the harm this caused to our students and recognize that words (racial slurs) can have lasting impacts on racialized students," the statement says. 

The university says it will extend its equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-Black racism training to invited speakers "in an effort to ensure that such an occurrence is not repeated."