A B.C. teacher was fired from his job after sending a former student inappropriate texts after they graduated.
The teacher, Douglas Barnim, sent the texts during the 2018/2019 school year.
The B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation says Barnim worked at a private school, but is not naming the school or school district to protect the identity of the student.
During the 2018/2019 school year, Barnim was a teacher and coach to the student, who was a minor at the time.
After the student graduated, Barnim sent “a number of inappropriate text messages” to the former student, including making comments like the student was his “favourite student” and that he hoped they would remain “friends for life.”
He also texted the student about dating and broached “topics related to sex,” and added that “being underage has never stopped anyone from going to the pub.”
The BCCTR says the student felt “very uncomfortable” with the comments, and on Dec. 2, 2019, the school issued Barnim a letter of discipline and required him to complete a course on professional boundaries.
On June 27, 2022, the school fired Barnim without cause, and shortly after the school’s principal filed a report with the BCCTR.
The commissioner suspended Barnim for one month, and on Oct. 20 he signed a consent resolution agreement with the BCCTR admitting to the texts and agreeing not to dispute that the incident occurred.
SEE ALSO:
Adam Chan
