Integrity Commissioner Concludes Mayor Jeff Leal Did Not Breach Council Code of Conduct After Use of Racial Slur During Trent University Lecture

Peterborough Integrity Commissioner Guy Giorno has concluded that Mayor Jeff Leal did not contravene the Council Code of Conduct when using a racial slur during a guest lecture at Trent University in March of last year.

file photo.

During a guest lecture for a Trent business class on March 19, 2025, Leal used an anti-Black slur when quoting former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.

“Mayor Leal’s word was painful and harmful. By using such a charged acial slur, he normalized it, implicitly permitting others to spread similar contempt, disdain and hatred - especially toward Black communities,” said The Afrocentric Awareness Network of Peterborough in a statement. “It is deeply troubling to see the leader of our City express such regressive, outdated values in today’s society.”

As complainants petitioned for the mayor to resign, two stated “that Lyndon Johnson never made such a statement, and a third Complainant notes that the statement has not been sourced. Two Complainants note the Mayor was not quoting President Johnson directly, meaning the choice to say the N-word was that of the Mayor,” as noted under Complainant’s Positions in the Trent Central Student Association et al. v. Leal, 2025 ONMIC 11 Inquiry Report.

Following the incident, Leal apologized in a statement.

“…the quote that I used included a racial slur that is deeply offensive and hurtful,” said Leal. “I sincerely apologize. Regardless of the context or intent, using that word was wrong. I recognize the pain it carries and the responsibility I have to speak with care and respect. I apologize to Trent students and faculty, to Trent University and to my community.”

As a result of the incident’s investigation, Peterborough Integrity Commissioner Guy Giorno has found that the Mayor did not breach Council Code of Conduct.

“…my conclusion under the Code is not based on whether President Johnson actually said what was attributed,” stated Giorno in the Trent Central Student Association et al. v. Leal, 2025 ONMIC 11 Inquiry Report.

“I cannot conclude that the March 19 comment constituted harassment or breached paragraph 10 c) of the Code,” Giorno continued. “To be clear, what occurred on March 19 was not acceptable. Everyone agrees it was unacceptable. The Respondent agrees it was unacceptable. He has acknowledged that, both earlier this year and in this inquiry.”

In a recommendation through the Inquiry Report, Giorno says City Council may wish to ask the staff to report back on the recommendation of the Trent Central Student Association that the Strategic Plan be amended to include anti-racism and race relations as a strategic priority under the Community and Wellbeing pillar.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.