The University of Windsor is investigating after anti-Semitic comments were made during a professional learning seminar at the Faculty of Education.
On February 3rd, teacher candidates were learning about how to teach students with learning disabilities and were using a chat room when comments came up on the screen about 'whether being Jewish is a disability.'
Then another comment appeared in the chat room about how the Holocaust was greatly exaggerated.
Acting Dean at the Faculty of Education Katherine Quinsey says the comments really upset the presenter and students, some of them were in tears, prompting them to stand up and voice their objections.
Quinsey says an investigation has been launched with the help of the software company who has obtained an IP address to determine the computer where the comments were originated.
Despite the offensive remarks, Quinsey says students learned a valuable lesson.
"I think what they learned is that we can't be complacent," says Quinsey. "We may live in Canada but these attitudes are out there. It is everyone's responsibility to stand up against them."
Quinsey pointed out she is proud how the students reacted because teachers are held to a higher standard because as they are in charge of a vulnerable population.
She says if the investigation proves the perpetrator is someone within the faculty, they would likely be asked to leave the program.