Winnipeg/CMEDIA: Steps have been taken reportedly by The Manitoba government to address Islamophobia in the province’s kindergarten to Grade 12 education system by forming a working group to tackle the issue, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has announced.
“Hate has no place in our province…come together as Manitobans…against all acts of hatred…to keep things together here in Manitoba…from all walks of life to know that your government is going to show up for you,” Kinew has said.
Being focused on building awareness of Islamophobia regarding K-12 anti-racism and anti-oppression policy initiatives, the working group would impact all students and staff in developing training and professional opportunities and resources for educators in providing input to Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning
“Over the last year, incidents of Islamophobia have increased in our classrooms and schools…an anti-Islamophobia strategy is imperative and NCCM welcomes the government of Manitoba‘s leadership to promote inclusivity in our education system,” said Sadaf Ahmed, advocacy officer, National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM).
Including members from the department, faith leaders, community advocacy groups and educators,the working group members are:
- Sadaf Ahmed, National Council of Canadian Muslims;
- Brahim Ould Baba, Manitoba Teachers’ Society;
- Sarah Gazan, acting director, Indigenous Excellence Directorate, Education and Early Childhood Learning;
- Muhamed Hammad, Faizan-E-Makkah Winnipeg (youth representative);
- Humaira Jaleel, executive director, Healthy Muslim Families;
- Kate McNeil, senior advisor to the deputy minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning;
- Muhiadin Omar, Bilal Community and Family Centre;
- Rhonda Shaw, director, learning and outcomes branch, Education and Early Childhood Learning;
- Eve Sotiriadou, executive director, Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute;
- Youcef Sufi, Manitoba Islamic Association; and
- Ayesha Sultan, president, University of Manitoba Muslim Students Association.
This work will build upon the successful development of the Manitoba Islamic Association’s Embracing Diversity in Manitoba Education K-12 Toolkit, the premier has noted, developed in response to Islamophobia in school communities.
