Disciplinary Hearing for Teacher Spreading COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories
A substitute teacher in northern Ontario is set to face a disciplinary hearing this fall due to her involvement in spreading COVID-19 conspiracy theories. Annalisa Kay Schmoll, who has worked in various locations with the District School Board Ontario North East, expressed her doubts about the pandemic and the measures implemented to mitigate its spread on Facebook. Her posts, made between April and June 2021, align with the conclusions of a study conducted by the Public Health Agency of Canada, which focused on the prevalence of COVID-19 disinformation on social media.
The study analyzed Facebook and Twitter comments in response to news articles from mainstream organizations like CTV News, excluding spam and unrelated content. From the remaining comments, three major themes emerged: skepticism towards the effectiveness and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, the belief that the pandemic is a governmental conspiracy for control, and the notion that COVID-19 itself is not a significant threat, rendering the vaccine unnecessary.
Schmoll’s posts largely echoed these themes and attracted attention for drawing parallels between COVID-19 lockdown measures and Nazi behavior. In one post, she recounted her school lessons on the Holocaust, pondering how Hitler managed to rally millions without facing resistance. This comparison raised concerns among readers and contributed to her current disciplinary situation.
Among her other contentious claims, Schmoll labeled the use of masks by young people as child abuse and propagated the false idea that masks restrict children’s oxygen intake. Additionally, she expressed displeasure with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and accused him of knowingly permitting the entry of terrorists into Canada. Furthermore, she voiced objections to transgender wrestling athletes, describing their participation as boys beating up on girls.
The disciplinary hearing arises from the concern that Schmoll’s online activity and beliefs may impact her ability to effectively carry out her role as an educator. The school board wants to address the potential consequences of her posts, ensuring that the values and principles it upholds are not compromised.
Teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds of young individuals, which is why it is essential to promote fact-based information, critical thinking, and unbiased perspectives within the educational system. As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 crisis, it is crucial to distinguish between genuine concerns and baseless conspiracy theories. Maintaining a responsible and informed approach is key to safeguarding the well-being of society at large.
