Alex Kvaskov | News Editor
Featured photo: Nick Balaskas has previously ran for election as staff representative on York’s Board of Governors. | Amir Yazdanparast
Reports have emerged that York lab technician Nick Balaskas has been fired for alleged anti-Semitic statements on social media.
Nick Balaskas could not be reached for comment on this story.
In late August, Balaskas’ Facebook posts were brought to York’s attention by students and Jewish community organization B’nai Brith.
Balaskas was then suspended by York, pending an investigation, which was his fourth suspension.
The reasons for the previous suspensions remain unclear.
The incident raises concerns about the limits of free speech and whether employers should be policing their employees’ speech.
“Firstly, it is important to recognize that free speech in Canada is not absolute,” says B’nai Brith Campus Coordinator Aidan Fishman.
Section 319(2) of the Criminal Code contains penalties for anyone “who, other than in private conversation, wilfully promotes hatred against any identifiable group.”
“Nevertheless, it is not necessary to determine whether Balaskas committed a criminal offence or not, since York’s own Secretariat Policy on racism entitles the university to discipline staff members who engage in racism, including anti-Semitism,” he adds.
“If Balaskas was not content to abide by this policy, he should not have sought employment at York.”
Anna Kissin, director of Hillel at York, agrees with the university’s decision. She maintains that Balaskas’ social media posts contains some of the oldest and most pernicious anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
“When Jews are demonized and accused of genocide or of orchestrating 9/11, we don’t believe this to be a matter of political discussion. It is outrageous and completely unacceptable that a university employee would post this type of revolting, anti-Semitic content on social media,” says Kissin.
This incident is the latest in a series of events that have alienated and marginalized the Jewish community, both on campus and
Nick Balaskas has previously ran for election as staff representative on York’s Board of Governors.more broadly, according to Kissin.
“We are pleased that the university has responded quickly and professionally, and has taken a strong stand against hate by choosing to dismiss Balaskas,” she concludes.
In a comment released to the Toronto Star, Balaskas said his firing was “unjust” following “disturbing allegations” from outside groups.
“[A]t the moment I just want to clear my name and prevent further attacks and damage to York University’s reputation so that I can return back to work doing what I love to do—helping students in the labs and being there to listen to and support them as their friend,” he said.
York refused to comment on a confidential employee matter.
“York University takes all allegations regarding inequity and discrimination seriously. As such, upon learning of the issue, we took immediate steps to begin an investigation. This process has now been completed by York’s human resources team,” says Barbara Joy of York media.
With files from Kanchi Uttamchandani
