The Manitoba government is taking steps to address Islamophobia by forming a working group to tackle the issue in the province’s kindergarten to Grade 12 education system, Premier Wab Kinew announced today.
“Hate has no place in our province,” said Kinew. “It is important that we come together as Manitobans and stand united against all acts of hatred. We have a role as a government to keep things together here in Manitoba and we want Manitobans from all walks of life to know that your government is going to show up for you.”
The working group will focus on building awareness of Islamophobia and its impacts on all students and staff, developing training and professional opportunities and resources for educators, and providing input to Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning regarding K-12 anti-racism and anti-oppression policy initiatives.
“Over the last year, incidents of Islamophobia have increased in our classrooms and schools,” said Sadaf Ahmed, advocacy officer, National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM). “This is why an anti-Islamophobia strategy is imperative and NCCM welcomes the government of Manitoba‘s leadership to promote inclusivity in our education system.”
The working group will include 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, executive 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.
The premier noted this work will build upon the successful development of the Manitoba Islamic Association’s Embracing Diversity in Manitoba Education K-12 Toolkit, which was developed to respond to Islamophobia in school communities.
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