Demand TikTok Ban Mario Zelaya for Spreading Hate Speech

To all supporters of equality, community members, and defenders of respectful discourse:

My name is Hiren Mistry, a proud second-generation Canadian of Hindu Gujarati descent who has spent over 20 years in education as a teacher, equity lead, and recently a Vice Principal at a Halton Region Secondary School. I've worked tirelessly to ensure that our schools are safe havens where students are encouraged to learn, grow, and celebrate one another's differences.
However, I recently became aware of Mario Zelaya, a self-styled "entrepreneur" whose hateful, fearmongering posts have been poisoning the TikTok feeds of our young people.

Yes, my students themselves brought this white supremacist to my attention, they were disturbed and upset by the constant barrage of anti-immigrant, specifically anti-Indian, rhetoric this racist clown has been spouting. I looked him up out of sheer morbid curiosity, only to find a shocking display of vitriol aimed squarely at Indian people.

It is infuriating to see someone who claims business credentials and supposed "leadership" use those platforms to sow division, conflict and suspicion. Mario Zelaya's propaganda goes beyond mere opinion; it openly vilifies Indian newcomers and feeds a toxic narrative that undermines both our societal values and our students' sense of belonging. By baselessly ranting about "uncontrolled Indian immigration," he paints a shamefully misleading picture of the hardworking individuals who have made Canada their home, people who contribute to our economy, our social fabric, and our future.

As an educator who believes deeply in the power of inclusivity and empathy, I refuse to let my students or any others, fall victim to these hateful messages. It is beyond heartbreaking that I learned of this content through our youth, who are understandably confused and angered by the prejudice being thrust upon their social media feeds. TikTok's algorithm has effectively delivered a steady stream of this man's vile outbursts to impressionable viewers and that is unacceptable.

I call on TikTok to immediately and permanently ban Mario Zelaya's account. If the platform claims to value diversity and oppose hate speech, it must enforce its Community Guidelines. Zelaya's content is not mere political commentary; it is dangerous rhetoric that puts my people at risk, especially Indian international students who already navigate the challenges of cultural adjustment and white systemic biases.

By signing this petition, you join me in sending a clear message that we, as a community, stand firmly against racism, xenophobia, and divisive propaganda. We demand that TikTok take responsibility for curtailing the spread of hate and bigotry on its platform. This action is not just about one individual, but about protecting the well-being of our students and preserving the principles of respect and unity that define our schools and our society.

Add your signature now to protect our youth from harmful online content and to uphold the values of dignity, inclusivity, and mutual respect that every member of my community deserves.

Sincerely,


Hiren Mistry
Vice Principal, Halton District School Board
Doctoral Candidate, Higher Education and Leadership (University of Toronto, OISE)