Every year in October, Islamic Heritage Month is recognized in Canada. This is a time to reflect and learn together about Islamic excellence and the rich, longstanding contributions Muslim people have made to literature, math, science, art and history both around the world and right here in Ontario.
In Ottawa, Muslim students, families, staff and community members reflect a broad range of individual and collective experiences. They bring a vibrant range of talents and perspectives that significantly enrich the social, economic, political and cultural fabric of the OCDSB community.
At the OCDSB, we will be reflecting, celebrating and learning about Islamic history and culture through:
- Providing classroom resources and activities that explore Islamic excellence across all areas of life
- Encouraging engagement with Muslim community partners for learning opportunities such as guest speakers
- Supporting schools in developing awareness and understanding of the contributions of Muslim Canadians through announcements, displays and activities
- Ensuring that Muslim students and staff have easy and safe access to spaces for performing the Salah and engaging in reflection during the school and work day
- Supporting engagement through Muslim Student Associations in schools and an Employee Resource Group for Muslim staff
- Developing staff awareness of cultural practices, traditions and observances and accommodation practices
- Promoting positive reflection and representation of Muslim identities and standing up to Islamophobia
As we learn, we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to identify, challenge and eradicate Islamophobia and anti-Muslim discrimination and hate. The OCDSB has a strong commitment to human rights, equity and inclusion, and to identifying and addressing barriers that prevent everyone from feeling valued, participating and excelling in the OCDSB community. We recognize our obligation to ensure learning and working spaces are free from discrimination and hate and safe and welcoming for Muslim students, staff and communities. We will not tolerate Islamophobia in the OCDSB.
If you see or experience Islamphobia or any other kind of hate or discrimination we encourage you to report it to a trusted staff member, your principal or vice principal, or to the Office of the Human Rights and Equity Advisor. The OCDSB is committed to protecting and upholding the human rights of all students, staff and families.
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As we enter Islamic Heritage Month, the OCDSB reaffirms its commitment to cultivating an environment where all students, families and staff feel safe and protected expressing who they are; where critical thought and learning is encouraged and differences are respected;
and we remain unequivocal in our condemnation of Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hate and all forms of hatred, racism and discrimination.