Delegates call out WRDSB for reported rise in anti-Palestinian hate
Posted Feb 14, 2024 08:53:27 AM.
Last Updated Feb 14, 2024 09:30:00 AM.
Students and parents want more action from the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) when it comes to Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism in the public schools.
Several delegates – some being students – attended Monday’s WRDSB meeting to share experiences with discrimination to trustees and call on the board for not maintaining inclusive environment.
“Palestinian students are just trying to do what they can to stand up for their people and being humiliated, censored and made to feel like their existence is controversial or wrong is physically and mentally exhausting,” said Janah El-Batroukh, a grade 11 student. “It is not good for our wellbeing as students that we have to convince people of our pain. Especially teachers and administration.”
“I believe if we put enough effort in and if we are proactive in our approach to this issue, we can make a change,” said Mira Murra, a grade 12 student. “If we educate our staff and students on the dangers and effects of anti-Palestinian racism, further empower the identity and diversity of our students and enocurage global citizenship, we can create a learning environment where all students and staff feel comfortable and accepted.”
Director of Advocacy and Research for the Coalition of Muslim Women, Sarah Shafiq, told the trustees that the organization has been seeing a rise in WRDSB students reporting anti-Palestinian racism using its hate reporting service.
“We have received 18 formal cases since October where usually we would receive around two cases a month for school-related incidents. This is a disturbing trend and we are deeply concerned about students trying to be in a safe, harassment-free, racism-free environment in the school system.”
Multiple other delegates called on the board to introduce training on Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism to their existing human rights policy.
Trustees and staff also discussed how the board can improve its tools for students facing discrimination. Some even acknowledged that more can be done to make those who need services aware of their existence.
