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Two mothers from Quebec have voiced their concerns after being informed they can no longer volunteer at their children’s elementary schools due to their hijab. Sabaah Khan, a long-time volunteer from Brossard, has dedicated over a decade to assisting with various school activities, from library support to vaccination days. In an interview, she expressed her frustration with the situation, stating, “Volunteers are needed because the teachers and the staff are very overworked, and they need a lot of help.”
Restrictions and Confusion
Khan recounts that staff from the Riverside School Board recently communicated to her that her hijab prevents her from participating as a volunteer. “I’m from here and my kids are from here,” she lamented. “And I’m being told that my free time is not good enough.” The controversy stems from Quebec’s 2019 legislation, which prohibited teachers from donning religious symbols while on duty. This was extended last year to include all school personnel, further complicating the landscape for parental involvement.
The application of these rules has created confusion. For instance, Khan noted an incident where she was questioned about her presence in a school gymnasium while watching her son play basketball. She remarked, “They’re constantly looking while playing a game to make sure mom’s still sitting there. It’s just not fair, and the damage it’s doing to the kids is very difficult.”
A Shared Experience
Asma Qureshi, another mother affected by these regulations, shared her experience of being told she could not serve food at her child’s graduation despite her plans to provide catering for the event. “We pay our taxes, we are law-abiding citizens, but we are still made to feel like second-class citizens just because of the way we look,” she expressed. Both women emphasised that they do not hold the schools or the staff responsible, acknowledging that those who delivered the news seemed to have little choice in the matter.
In response to these incidents, the Riverside School Board has assured that it will handle the implementation of Bill 94 with care and professionalism, ensuring that staff are adequately informed and supported throughout the process.
Government’s Stance
The office of the Quebec education minister has reiterated that all parents wishing to engage with their children’s schools are welcome to do so, provided they do not display any religious symbols. The government’s official statement stressed that “students must be able to learn in a neutral environment, free of religious pressure, and in keeping with Quebec’s values of gender equality.”
For Khan, wearing the hijab is a personal choice, a reflection of her commitment to modesty. “This is a part of my choice to dress modestly, and you can’t take away my right to my freedom of choice,” she asserted. Both mothers are determined to continue advocating against Bill 94 in hopes of fostering change.
Why it Matters
The experiences of Sabaah Khan and Asma Qureshi highlight a significant issue regarding inclusivity and representation within Quebec’s education system. This situation raises broader questions about religious freedom, the rights of parents to participate in school activities, and the implications of government policies on community engagement. As the debate over Bill 94 unfolds, it becomes increasingly important to consider the impact of such restrictions on families and their ability to actively contribute to their children’s education. The voices of these mothers underscore the need for dialogue and potential reform in order to ensure that all community members feel valued and included, regardless of their religious beliefs.
