Islamophobia is on the rise in Canada, a troubling reality that continues to affect Muslim communities nationwide. The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) describes Islamophobia as "a systemic and pervasive form of racism and discrimination, one that manifests in hateful rhetoric, policies,and acts of violence targeting Muslims."
Muslim Employee Community Network (MECN) Co-Chair Sanya Khan (right), and Diversity Institute Executive Director Mohamed Elmi discuss TMU initiatives to address Islamophobia, promote inclusion, and empower underrepresented communities.
In response, TMU is taking meaningful steps to combat hate and foster inclusion through education, allyship, and advocacy. These initiatives aim to create spaces where all individuals feel safe and respected.
This commitment takes on greater significance as Canada observes the National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia on January 29. The day honours the six men who lost their lives in the 2017 Quebec City mosque attack and reminds us of the importance of standing against hate. It is a time to reflect, act, and ensure such tragedies are never repeated. On campus, this day is marked with green lighting on Victoria and Gould Streets, as well as the RCC Bridge, symbolizing solidarity and remembrance.
Community-led advocacy at TMU
TMU's response to Islamophobia is deeply rooted in community efforts. Sanya Khan, the Director of the Strategy & Project Management Office for the School of Medicine, also serves alongside Farhan Zia & Imran Ali as one of three co-chairs of the Muslim Employee Community Network (MECN). Sanya underscored the importance of fostering inclusive spaces and meaningful support systems within the university.
"MECN's mission is to build awareness and bridge support for the complex and intersectional experiences of Muslims at TMU," Khan explains. "We want staff and faculty who identify as Muslim at TMU to feel supported and to have a sense of community a place they can call their own."
The MECN's work manifests in a number of ways, including educating others about the lived experiences of our Muslim peers and colleagues, says Khan. The Network has worked closely with the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI) to launch Islamophobia training for TMU leaders in partnership with the National Council of Canadian Muslims. "These efforts come from a place of advocacy for Muslim communities but are grounded in education and constructive dialogue."
Khan emphasizes the profound impact of these initiatives, noting that MECN's origins were tied to the remembrance of the Quebec City mosque attack. "The genesis of MECN actually came out as a response to that attack. It shows the impact such moments can have on creating spaces for support and advocacy."
While MECN is primarily a staff and employee network, it has also facilitated a partnership with the Muslim Chaplaincy of Toronto to provide faith-based spiritual counselling for staff, faculty and students. Spiritual counselling, guest speaking, and consultation services will be provided by Imam Yasin Dwyer for the 2024-2025 academic year. These services include confidential academic and career counselling, support for coping with stress and navigating religious doubt.
Equipping leaders to combat Islamophobia
MECN and OVPECI recently hosted a two-part Islamophobia training for TMU leaders, providing participants with practical tools and resources. It was an opportunity for TMU leaders to explore the impact of Islamophobia on educational spaces, including examples and case studies from TMU, and how we can work together to create more equitable and inclusive environments for Muslim students, faculty and staff.
Participants of the two part training also learned about the significance of the Green Square campaign, a national initiative symbolizing solidarity with Muslim communities. Representing the green carpets of the Quebec City mosque where worshippers stood in prayer before the 2017 attack, the green square honours the victims and serves as a pledge to stand against Islamophobia. This campaign, observed on the National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia, reinforces TMU's commitment to combating hate and promoting awareness across the community.
Taking action through research-driven solutions
Taking it one step further, addressing systemic challenges requires a deep understanding of the root causes of Islamophobia.
"It's important to look at the factors that led to that horrible day and the attack," says Mohamed Elmi, executive director at TMU's Diversity Institute . "Understanding the demonization of a group of people based on their faith, and how policies contributed to this, is crucial. Laws that targeted Muslims fostered an environment of othering and made them feel like an approved target."
The Diversity Institute is committed to turning research into action, advancing initiatives that foster inclusion, equity and economic success for diverse communities. "We focus on taking research and applying it testing and piloting solutions to see if theoretical ideas can be practical in the real world," Elmi explained.
For example, the institute has led studies on the socioeconomic demographics of Black Muslims in Canada and research on media portrayals of marginalized communities. It also runs initiatives to support newcomers with digital skills training.
"Our work often takes an intersectional approach, recognizing that barriers faced by one group can be amplified for racialized and religious minorities," Elmi says.
Beyond research, the institute's legacy also includes actionable programs like the Lifeline Syria Challenge, which supported Syrian refugees, and the Lifeline Afghanistan initiative for Afghan refugees. These programs reflect a national commitment to addressing systemic inequities across diverse Muslim communities.
"Commemorating the National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia is about more than reflecting on the tragedy," says Elmi. "It's about naming Islamophobia, understanding its roots, and committing to action to ensure such incidents never happen again."
Support is available
Students seeking support can connect with the Toronto Metropolitan University Muslim Students' Association (TMU MSA), which provides a range of resources and programs designed to foster community, inclusion, and belonging. To learn more about TMU MSA and its initiatives, visit TMU MSA's page.
