Thames Valley District School Board released a Dismantling Anti-Muslim Racism Strategy in commemoration of the June 6 terrorist attack that took the lives of four members of Our London Family, including a Thames Valley student.
"After the terrible events of June 6, we made a solemn commitment to take immediate, sustained action against Islamophobia in all its forms. The Dismantling Anti-Muslim Racism Strategy is the next step in this continued promise we have made to Muslim families in Thames Valley," said Mark Fisher, Director of Education, at the board's commemoration event. "We are honoured to become the second school board in Canada to release a dedicated strategy to combat anti-Muslim racism and Islamophobia in collaboration and solidarity with the Muslim community. Today and every day, we will stand with you against the harmful threat of discrimination."
The Dismantling Anti-Muslim Racism Strategy is the result of a year of consultation with students, families and community partners, including the Combatting Islamophobia, National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), Hikma Public Affairs Council, Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support & Integration (MRCSSI), Youth Coalition Combatting Islamophobia (YCCI) and the TVDSB Muslim Staff Affinity Group.
Aasiyah Khan, Director of Education National Council of Canadian Muslims, added, "The London community is acutely aware of the lethal consequences of unchecked hate and anti-Muslim racism. I am encouraged by the Thames Valley District School Board's leadership in charting new but needed ways to systematically address this racism in schools. Anti-Muslim racism continues to impact staff, students, and families. There is no doubt that ongoing work is necessary to root out hate. The Thames Valley District School Board's Dismantling Anti-Muslim Racism Strategy is a critical step in challenging anti-Muslim racism and ensuring equitable outcomes for all students."
The Dismantling Anti-Muslim Racism Strategy is part of a broader series of anti-hate strategies under development at Thames Valley, including an upcoming strategy to combat anti-Black racism.
"As we remember Our London Family and the devastating impact of the June 6 attack on our nation, Thames Valley remains committed to honouring the voices of Muslim families across our district," said Purveen Skinner, Superintendent of Equity. "Our responsibility to Muslim students does not end here. We will continue to act intentionally every day to enhance equity, inclusion and respect for human rights."
Read Thames Valley District School Board's Strategy for Dismantling Anti-Muslim Racism.
