Former school head accuses sought-after Toronto private institution of unjust termination, claims exclusive 'men's club' culture.
Unveiling the Contentious Legal Tussle: De La Salle College's Principal vs. Alleged Discrimination
In the heart of Toronto, a venerable educational institution—De La Salle College—finds itself entangled in a heated legal dispute. At the epicenter of this storm is the former principal, John Voutsinos, who claims he was unjustly dismissed for addressing sexist remarks and an "old boys club" atmosphere within the school's ranks.
Voutsinos, (now 43), bringing two independent actions against De La Salle College and senior administrators, allegedly fought his termination on January 31, 2025, without cause. His statement of claim, filed in Ontario Superior Court on April 29, asserts that he was ousted in response to his criticism of Brother Domenic Viggiani's allegedly inappropriate conduct [1].
Viggiani, a member of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, which runs the private, co-educational Catholic school, has been president since 2010. With a history dating back over five decades within the college, Viggiani's tenure includes stints as student, teacher, and principal [1].
Established in 1851, the prestigious De La Salle College has occupied its current, 12-acre location at 131 Farnham Ave. since 1931. However, the college vehemently denies Voutsinos's allegations [2]. The school's counter-statement, responding to a defamation lawsuit Voutsinos lodged on March 7 against Viggiani, school administrator Joseph Pupo, and Nicanor Catre, chair of the College’s board of directors, denies all accusations, instead pointing to concerns over Voutsinos's handling of classroom scheduling and an alleged campaign to oust Viggiani [2].
In a reversal of claims, the school's statement asserts that Voutsinos turned on Viggiani following his removal from the building committee overseeing renovations to the college's science and innovation center and the refusal of the school's charitable foundation to accept a family's donation at his discretion [2]. The college further accuses Voutsinos of engaging in a relentless campaign to oust Viggiani and escalating his efforts when the board became aware of issues with the teaching schedule and the number of classroom hours instructed [2].
However, Voutsinos, in reply, denies ever campaigning against Viggiani, being told he was interfering with building plans, or soliciting or accepting any parents' proposal regarding a donation to the college. Both lawsuits, filed by lawyers Joe Groia and Leanne Gruppuso, have declined to comment on the matter [2].
The college, represented by lawyers Gordon Meiklejohn and Gina Saccoccio Brannan, asserted in an email to the Toronto Star that the statement of defense to the first lawsuit addresses the reasons for Voutsinos's termination. The college promised to elaborate further in a future statement of defense for the second action, while expressing regret for Voutsinos's personal interests seemingly outweighing those of the college community [2].
Although none of the allegations from either side have been tested in court, it's evident that Voutsinos's employment with the college spanned 19 years, from 2006, where he held various senior roles such as teacher, guidance counselor, director of student services, vice-principal, and ultimately, principal from August 2023 [3].
In his second lawsuit, a wrongful dismissal claim filed recently, Voutsinos leveled a series of accusations, including a failure by the school's board of directors to address his and fellow staff members' grievances. One revolting claim alleges that Viggiani warned Voutsinos against hiring young female teachers as there was a risk "they would become pregnant and cause disruption at the College" [3].
Furthermore, Voutsinos's complaints also reveal cultural issues within the school, such as female staff members feeling unsupported and the college functioning as an "old boys club" privileging male staff. The statement of claim also alleges instances of racist and homophobic remarks, misconduct in budgeting and third-party contract awarding, and a toxic workplace culture [3].
Despite sharing these concerns in a private meeting with Catre, no investigation or action ensued, and Voutsinos continued to face harassment from Viggiani while being advised to endure the situation until Viggiani's retirement [3]. Voutsinos is seeking a total of $3.5 million in damages.
Sources:[1] CBC News[2] Toronto Star[3] Global News
- In Toronto's educational scene, De La Salle College, a historic institution, is currently embroiled in a contentious legal battle centering on the former principal, John Voutsinos.
- Voutsinos, who served the college for 19 years, in 2025 filed two independent actions against De La Salle College and senior administrators, alleging his unjust dismissal without cause and the retaliation for criticizing Brother Domenic Viggiani's questionable conduct.
- TheONTario Superior Court received Voutsinos's statement of claim on April 29, 2025, which accused Viggiani, the president of De La Salle College since 2010, of inappropriate behavior.
- The allegations against Voutsinos from De La Salle College and its representatives, including Viggiani, Joseph Pupo, and Nicanor Catre,ouying the claims of discrimination and creating a toxic work environment.
- Instead, the school pointed to concerns over Voutsinos's handling of classroom scheduling and an alleged effort to oust Viggiani, further accusing him of interfering with building plans and refusing to accept a donation at his discretion.
- Amidst the ongoing legal battle, the media and general news outlets have covered the story, delving into allegations of sexist and discriminatory remarks, cultural issues, and an "old boys club" mentality within the college.
