January 28th, 2022
On January 29, 2017, a lone gunman entered a mosque in Quebec City and opened fire on dozens of Muslim Canadians during a prayer service. By the time the shooting had ended, six worshippers had been killed, and 19 more injured. It was one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history that prompted widespread grief, outrage and dialogue about the realities of Islamophobia and racism in Canada.
Last year’s horrific attack in London, Ontario underscored the fact that Islamophobia is not a thing of the past, but very much alive and present in our communities today.
It is important for us to be mindful that this time can be increasingly difficult for Muslim staff, students, and families. Our educators and staff are supported in this with resources and information provided by the Indigenous, Equity, and Human Rights Department to ensure approaches to this material are trauma-informed.
Supporting Students and Staff
At the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), we know that staff and students from diverse faith communities need a safe and respectful environment to succeed academically.
The Religious and Creed Accommodation Policy supports academic achievement by eliminating discrimination and harassment related to creed. The WRDSB’s Human Rights Policy is committed to providing working and learning environments that are free of discrimination and harassment, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and can thrive and fully contribute.
Get Involved
- Take a moment to learn about Islamophobia in Canada.
- From January 25-29, join the nationwide Green Square campaign by wearing a green square:
- Buy a piece of green felt from your local craft store,
- Cut a 2″ by 2″ square,
- Attach it to your clothes using a small safety pin
- On January 29, pick a time and hold a minute of silence to remember the lives so mercilessly snatched away that day. Learn more about the victims.
- Use hashtags like #IRememberJanuary29, #QuebecMosqueShooting, and #StopIslamophobia to amplify your solidarity with the campaign to recognize January 29 as a National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia.
- Join the action against Bill 21 (Laicité Law) that promotes state-sanctioned discrimination and exclusion of Muslims and other visible minorities.
- Support organizations such as the Coalition of Muslim Women of KW (CMW) that are working against Islamophobia, racism, Xenophobia and other forms of hate through collective social media action and donations.
