Sikander Hashmi: ‘Anti-racist’ hypocrisy targets Muslim schoolchildren for their religious beliefs

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In a diverse society like Canada, it is not uncommon for students and parents from minority faith groups to seek exemptions to participate in classes and activities that contradict their religious beliefs.

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Normally, the school hears the parents’ concerns and proposes a plan to fulfill its duty to accommodate. In most cases, students are given an alternative lesson that meets program objectives or, if no accommodation can be made, parents are notified before the material is taught so they can remove their children from class .

This approach, coupled with recognition of religious and cultural holidays as well as other needs, has helped create a welcoming and inclusive environment in many public schools in our increasingly diverse society. These efforts are greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately, this month of June turned out to be an unfortunate exception for many Canadian Muslim families. Alarmed by efforts not only to educate, but rather to promote practices and beliefs they deem contrary to their faith, they requested accommodations and exemptions, which were quickly rejected based on no directive from non-participation. As a result, some families have decided to keep their children home on the first day of June, the start of Pride month.

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While some teachers and staff were understanding, it provoked a furious reaction from others. In a shocking display of what can be described as ignorant or, at worst, bigoted, an Edmonton teacher chastised Muslim students who skipped Pride activities at school, telling them you don’t belong (in Canada) if they weren’t supportive of LGBTQ rights, were being disrespectful, and were ungrateful to have their holidays recognized at school.

In an Ottawa-area school, a teacher distributed to students in her grade 5 and 6 class a booklet that was specifically aimed at young Muslims and promoted the very practices and beliefs that Muslim families find reprehensible. The booklet went so far as to discuss sex even though the Ontario Health Curriculum only addresses the subject in Grade 7. This resource, titled I am Muslim and I may not be straight, is also available on the school board website and is the only one on the subject directed at any faith group.

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A brochure was specifically aimed at young Muslims

Students at an Ottawa high school reported staff guarding the doors during a Pride Month assembly to make sure no one left, while others patrolled the hallways and one even checked the parking lot to find students who refused to attend.

A parent reported that his child in Grade 3 at another school was told he couldn’t go to recess unless he drew a rainbow. Parents have told me that other students have been threatened with expulsion if they do not participate in Pride month activities.

Sadly, these attacks on Muslim children, with reckless disregard for their sanity and well-being, came the day after the second anniversary of the murder of four members of the Afzaal family in London in a hate-motivated attack .

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The irony is that many who champion anti-racism and anti-oppression practices seem to have forgotten these practices today. Any denominational disagreement with the LGBTQ+ beliefs and practices of Muslim families is immediately dismissed as hateful. It is hard to ignore that this gaslighting of the religious rights of a visible minority group is perpetuated by individuals and institutions that enjoy white privilege, in support of a group that also enjoys white privilege. The image of predominantly white teachers and staff targeting minority children, making them feel less than others because of their traditional beliefs, is reminiscent of past colonial attitudes that are now credited with causing great harm.

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Reminiscent of past colonial attitudes

Schools must be safe for everyone, including LGBTQ+ children and families. Canadian Muslim leaders and educators have stated unequivocally that hatred and intimidation against anyone, including LGBTQ+ people, is unacceptable.

To be clear, the religious objections of Muslim families are not about LGBTQ+ people themselves, but rather about LGBTQ+ beliefs and practices. For example, cross-dressing and birth sex change are expressly prohibited in traditional Islamic teachings, unlike other religions, unless there is physiological evidence to justify such a change. Active participation in activities and celebrations deemed morally wrong, whether a celebration of same-sex relationships, premarital relationships, or a celebration involving pork or alcohol, is prohibited.

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Muslim families who find these beliefs and practices incompatible with their faith do not expect others to agree with them, nor to impose their beliefs on others in a secular society. For example, a child who has a religious objection to coloring a Ramadan lantern or making Eid cards should be exempt. Their absence would not make Muslim students feel marginalized because choosing not to participate is not an act of discrimination or hatred. Likewise, schools should not cancel pizza days for non-Muslim students during Ramadan. Those who fast should simply be given the option of not eating.

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Pride has been celebrated in Canada for decades, and there have been no recorded protests against it by Canadian Muslims so far. Many believed that remaining silent out of respect for others’ choices, despite disagreements, would help foster harmony and respect. This approach now appears to have been misguided because while Muslims have remained silent, LGBTQ beliefs and practices have been promoted to the point of being imposed on others. This experience tells minorities in Canada that they must remain in a perpetual struggle to promote their beliefs and practices, because failure to do so will lead to the erosion of their rights.

It doesn’t have to be that way. I have spent most of my life building bridges and fostering understanding, and the current state of tolerance and acceptance in Canada saddens me. As the world becomes increasingly polarized, extremism finds oxygen to flourish. It’s something we all need to be concerned about.

I strongly believe that it is indeed possible and even healthy for all of us to recognize that despite our differences and diversity, we can indeed live together safely in harmony, without imposing our beliefs, values ​​and practices on others.

Special at the National Post

Imam Sikander Hashmi is a Kanata-based imam and writer. He can be reached at [email protected].

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