Montreal-area teacher suspended over showing his hip hop music video to students allowed to teach again
A Montreal-area high school teacher who moonlights as a rapper will be back at work after a three-week suspension for showing one of his music videos to his students.
Chad Ashe, who teaches at Howard S. Billings Regional High School in Châteauguay, Que., said he asked his students to share 10 things about themselves to get to know them better. In return, he showed them the video for his song Wahala to open up to his class.
“I gave 10 things that they should know about me. One of them was I'm a recording artist and, obviously, the kids were so curious,” he said in an interview with CTV News.
Music, he said, has always played a big role in his life.
“Everything that I do always reports back to making music. I kind of went into teaching because of music.”
In the video, Ashe and his girlfriend are seen hanging out by the pool. He said nothing came from it until he received a phone call on Nov. 12 saying he was suspended.
“I thought it was a joke,” he said.
The New Frontiers School Board said it was parents who expressed concerns, but officials declined to provide further details.
The board confirmed that he will return to the classroom on Monday.
“One parent complains — that’s fine. They’re allowed to complain, but I should also be able to talk to the parent where we can find a middle ground,” he said Friday.
There's been a lot of support for Ashe. A parent of one of his students started an online petition that has collected more than 1,000 signatures.
Ashe said he plans on filing a grievance through his union.
“I’ve got to go fight for my name. It's very damaging. One accusation can ruin your career,” he said.
In the meantime, he said he’ll continue doing what he loves most — teaching and recording music.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.