The Discipline Committee ordered that the teaching certificate of Gianpiero Gidillini be suspended for engaging in a pattern of conduct toward two teacher colleagues (Teacher 1 and Teacher 2) that he ought to have known was offensive and unwelcome. This conduct included non-consensual physical touching and making inappropriate and sexualized comments toward them.
Gidillini’s misconduct toward Teacher 1 included repeatedly attempting to see her or make plans with her for personal or non-work-related reasons, even when she consistently rejected Gidillini’s requests while attempting to establish professional boundaries.
Gidillini also asked Teacher 1 for her phone number, told her she should come to his house to decorate it, and commented that she was fit and in really good shape. He also asked her, “How strong is your core?” while touching her abdomen with his knee while Teacher 1 was kneeling down.
Gidillini’s misconduct toward Teacher 2 included putting his hand up to give her a high five but instead interlocking his fingers with hers so that they were holding hands. Gidillini also rubbed her arm while he spoke with her, approached her from behind while she was sitting down and massaged her neck and shoulders. Gidillini also rubbed her hip after asking her to stand up so Gidillini could see what she was wearing.
He also asked Teacher 2, “Are you worried I am going to pin you up against the wall and make out with you?” and told her, “Ok, let’s pound it out,” and then clarified that he meant a fist bump. He also told Teacher 2, “Walk in front of me so I can watch you walk” when she was exiting the classroom.
Gidillini also asked Teacher 2 if she was looking at “dirty websites” while she was on her computer and stated to her, “I had a hard time watching you eat that banana.”
Gidillini repeatedly entered Teacher 2’s classroom without knocking when the door was closed and she was alone in the classroom. On one of those occasions, Gidillini said, “We’re the only ones here,” while staring at her and licking his lips.
During the time in question, Gidillini was employed as a teacher by the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board.
Gidillini, who was certified to teach in August 1997, attended the hearing on April 30, 2025, and had legal representation.
The Discipline Committee panel found Gidillini guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be suspended for three months.
He was also directed to receive a reprimand.
In addition, he was directed to complete a course regarding appropriate communications and interactions with colleagues.
In their written decision, the Discipline Committee panel stated, “Teachers are leaders and role models in their school communities and are held to a high standard of professionalism. [Gidillini]’s repeated unwanted touching and inappropriate comments violated his colleagues’ personal and professional boundaries and undermined the trust the community place[s] in the teaching profession.”
