WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION
Rob Bogunovic
The Teacher Targeted for His Beliefs and His Biology
For 20 years, Robert "Rob" Bogunovic served the Chilliwack community as a dedicated educator. With a clean professional record spanning two decades, Rob was the kind of teacher parents want for their children.
That changed when he decided to exercise his right as a Canadian citizen to run for public office.
Today, Rob is fighting a multi-front legal battle against the Chilliwack School District to defend his right to political expression and his dignity as a neurodivergent individual.
The "Election Day Ambush"
In 2019 and 2021, Rob stood as a federal candidate. While the right to participate in democracy is a cornerstone of our society, Rob alleges it made him a target. After a decade of unblemished service, he suddenly faced a "succession of investigations" into his professional conduct.
The pressure peaked on September 20, 2021—the very day of the federal election—when Rob was placed on administrative leave. This move sent a chilling message: participating in our democracy could cost you your livelihood.
The Weaponization of Neurodivergence
When Rob was diagnosed with Autism (Type 1) in 2023, he expected his employer to provide reasonable accommodations. Instead, he alleges the District used his diagnosis to further marginalize him.
The District’s response has been staggering:
Stigmatization: Labeling natural autistic traits as "misconduct" and characterizing a high-functioning educator as a "threat" to student emotional safety
Forced Therapy: Mandating that an adult professional undergo Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—a therapy typically designed for children—as a condition of employment.
Professional Diminishment: Removing Rob from his area of expertise (Social Studies) and placing him in a Math department, despite clinical assessments showing he possesses "very superior cognitive abilities" in communication and judgment.
Why Rob’s Fight is Your Fight
This case isn't just about one teacher in Chilliwack; it’s about the precedent we set for all British Columbians.
Freedom of Expression: If a school board can retaliate against a teacher for their off-duty political participation, no public sector employee is truly free.
Neurodiversity Rights: There are over 100,000 neurodivergent adults in BC. If the District is allowed to "pathologize" autism and treat it as a disciplinary issue, it opens the door for systemic discrimination across the province.
Institutional Accountability: Large institutions have deep pockets and expensive legal teams. Without our help, individuals like Rob are simply priced out of justice.
The Financial Challenge
Rob Bogunovic is facing a massive institutional machine with practically unlimited resources.
To date, he has already personally paid over $3,300 for the clinical assessments required to defend his name. Now, he faces a Human Rights Tribunal case with legal fees are estimated to reach $50,000.
We are seeking to raise funds to cover Rob’s legal retainer and ongoing representation costs.
Help Us Level the Playing Field
Donate to Support Rob Bogunovic's Case
Donate By Mail
Attn: Rob Bogunovic
c/o Rights and Freedoms Fundraising Society
P.O. Box 21004
Chilliwack, BC V2P 8A9
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