On June 28th, a woman living in our community was responsible for intimidating a woman of colour, making her fear for her safety, and inscribing a racial slur on TTC property.  The offender’s toddler was present and subjected to these vulgar acts. For this very obvious hate crime (as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada under section 319[2]) and vandalism she was only charged with mischief. 

If the law pertaining to hate crimes is upheld for some marginalized groups, then it should protect all of them. The charges laid are so minimal in comparison to the offence and heavier charges must be levied against Katarzyna Zawisza.  The lack of charges is especially concerning as there is a documented history of her abusive behaviour  towards people of colour. 

Mayor Tory and the TTC must insist Toronto Police 55 Division adjust these charges to ones that reflect the full magnitude of the situation. 

Read the full story below:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/racist-slurs-ttc-1.5630738