Greater Victoria Teacher Suspended for Inappropriate Conduct

A teacher at a high school in Greater Victoria has received a three-day suspension for engaging in inappropriate behavior with students during the 2022 and 2023 school years. The suspension, ordered by the BC Commissioner for Teacher Regulation, follows findings that Shadrick Cain, an English teacher, made unwelcome physical contact and inappropriate comments towards students.

According to a disciplinary agreement released on October 1, 2023, Cain’s actions included “unnecessary and unwelcome physical contact” with two students over a period of two years. The incidents included touching a Grade 10 student’s shoulder multiple times and leaning over them while they worked in the library. Reports detail that on several occasions, Cain approached this student from behind, positioning his face within six inches of theirs.

As the student progressed to Grade 11, Cain continued to make them uncomfortable through at least four instances of side hugs and physical contact, including rubbing their shoulders and leaning in closely while offering support. The agreement indicates that this student expressed feeling “extremely uncomfortable” due to Cain’s conduct.

A second student also reported unwelcome interactions with Cain during the 2022/2023 school year. This included touching the student’s waist while passing by and placing an arm around them in a manner described as inappropriate. On another occasion, while praising the student for their attendance, Cain gave a side hug that further contributed to their discomfort.

The Greater Victoria School District issued a five-day suspension without pay for Cain on June 26, 2023, emphasizing the need for him to cease any form of physical contact with students. The suspension lasted until June 30, 2023.

In September 2023, Cain faced further disciplinary action for comments made during his Grade 10 English classes. While addressing issues of homophobia, he shared personal anecdotes about attraction, stating, “I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I’m attracted to silky long hair, short women and big butts,” while gesturing with his hands. His remarks reportedly led to three students withdrawing from his class due to discomfort.

In response to these incidents, the school district issued Cain a letter of discipline in November 2023, mandating him to collaborate with peers to create a more inclusive lesson plan on transgender issues. Cain was also required to complete a professional boundaries course, which he fulfilled in February 2024.

Previously, in January 2022, Cain received a letter of discipline for allegations that included using pet names for female students and discussing his personal life inappropriately during class.

Following the escalation of concerns, the BCCTR launched an investigation into Cain’s behavior on January 31, 2024. The investigation concluded that his actions did not foster a positive classroom environment and reflected poorly on the standards expected of a certified teacher. The three-day suspension of his teaching certificate was ultimately served from October 14 to October 16, 2025.

The BCCTR’s decision was influenced by the repeated nature of Cain’s inappropriate behavior and the emotional distress caused to the students involved.