CHILLIWACK, BC – Robert “Rob” Bogunovic, a dedicated educator with 20 years of unblemished service in the Chilliwack community, has announced a formal legal challenge and Human Rights complaint against the Chilliwack School District.

The case alleges a systemic "weaponization" of Bogunovic’s neurodivergence and professional retaliation following his participation in federal democratic processes.

Bogunovic, a high-functioning educator who was diagnosed with Autism (Type 1) in 2023, claims the District has replaced reasonable workplace accommodations with punitive measures.

These measures reportedly include "forced therapy" in the form of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—a practice typically reserved for children—and a sweeping censorship mandate.

The "Election Day Ambush"

The conflict began following Bogunovic’s decision to run as a federal candidate in the 2019 and 2021 elections.

Despite two decades of professional excellence, Bogunovic alleges he became the subject of a "succession of investigations" directly linked to his political expression.

On September 20, 2021—the day of the federal election—Bogunovic was placed on administrative leave, a move he characterizes as a "chilling message" to public sector employees regarding their right to participate in democracy.

Allegations of Institutional Discrimination

Following his 2023 Autism diagnosis, Bogunovic alleges the District engaged in professional diminishment and stigmatization. According to the complaint, the District has:

• Pathologized Natural Traits: Characterizing autistic traits as "misconduct" and labeling a veteran teacher a "threat" to student emotional safety.

• Imposed Explicit Censorship: Prohibiting Bogunovic from discussing a vast array of contemporary issues.

Prohibited topics include: Mental health, personal identity, climate change, political ideologies, religious beliefs, social media impact, ethical dilemmas, gun control, substance abuse, and the historical impact of inter-generational trauma.

A Precedent for British Columbians

This legal battle carries significant implications for the more than 100,000 neurodivergent adults living in British Columbia.

"This case is about more than one teacher's career," says Bogunovic. "If a school board can retaliate against an employee for off-duty political participation or treat a medical diagnosis as a disciplinary issue, then no public sector worker in BC is truly protected."

Call for Support

Facing an institutional machine with vast resources, Bogunovic has already personally funded over $1,600 in clinical assessments. With legal fees for the Human Rights complaint estimated to reach $50,000 or more, a public fundraising campaign has been launched to level the playing field and ensure institutional accountability.

For more information on the case or to contribute to the legal defense fund, please visit RightsAndFreedoms.org/Support-Rob-Bogunovic.

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About Robert Bogunovic: Robert Bogunovic is a long-time Chilliwack resident and educator specializing in Social Studies. He has served the Chilliwack School District for 20 years and is a vocal advocate for neurodiversity rights and freedom of expression in the public sector.