Violet Shearer is a retired music teacher who worked for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) for nearly 30 years. In May 2016 she led a performance of elementary students. One of the songs she chose was, “Land of the Silver Birch”. A few parents complained to the school administration, wrongly alleging that the song was racist. The administration responded to the complaint by emailing an apology for the choice of song to the entire school community, branding the performance as inappropriate and racist.

Ms. Shearer commenced a defamation lawsuit against her employer, fighting for over 8.5 years to clear her reputation. The lawsuit drew national media attention in 2017 after the TDSB brought a motion against Ms. Shearer in an attempt to have the lawsuit dismissed. Ms. Shearer, a self-represented litigant, won the precedent-setting motion and the defamation suit proceeded.

On the eve of trial in October 2024, and with the court’s help, Ms. Shearer achieved a settlement of the defamation lawsuit, which included a public apology and the ability to speak publicly about her case. Ms. Shearer is honoured to be the recipient of the 2025 Richard Bilkszto award. Her goal is to become a paralegal with a focus in education law, which will include independent legal representation for educators.