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Two Muslim mothers from Quebec have raised concerns after being informed they can no longer volunteer at their children’s elementary schools due to their hijabs. Sabaah Khan, a long-time resident of Brossard, has dedicated over ten years to assisting in various school activities, including library duties and vaccination days. The recent decision to bar her from volunteering has sparked outrage and raised questions about the implications of the province’s religious symbol policies.
A Sudden Change in Policy
Khan expressed her frustration to Global News, stating, “Volunteers are needed because the teachers and the staff are very overworked, and they need a lot of help.” Despite her commitment to the school community, she was informed by staff at the Riverside School Board that her hijab disqualified her from volunteering.
“I’m from here and my kids are from here,” Khan lamented. “And I’m being told that my free time is not good enough.” This sentiment resonates with many who feel that such restrictions undermine the inclusivity of the school environment.
Confusion Over Regulations
Since the introduction of laws in 2019 prohibiting teachers from wearing religious symbols, and a subsequent ban in 2022 extending this to all school personnel, confusion has arisen regarding the enforcement of these policies. Khan recounted an incident where she was questioned about her presence in a gymnasium to watch her son’s basketball game, further highlighting the ambiguity surrounding the rules.
“They’re constantly looking while playing a game to make sure mom’s still sitting there,” she noted. “It’s just not fair and the damage it’s doing to the kids is very difficult.” This ongoing scrutiny not only affects the mothers but also places undue stress on their children, who seek reassurance from their parents during school events.
A Shared Experience
Another mother, Asma Qureshi, echoed Khan’s sentiments, sharing her own experiences with the policy. Although she and her husband are preparing food for their child’s graduation, they have been informed that she cannot serve it during the event. This has left both mothers feeling sidelined and disheartened.
“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,” stated Qureshi, highlighting the emotional toll of such discrimination. Despite their grievances, both women have voiced their understanding that school staff who delivered the news may be acting under compulsion, rather than malice.
Official Response and Future Actions
The Riverside School Board has assured that it will handle the implementation of Bill 94 with professionalism and care, aiming to keep staff informed and supported. In a statement, Quebec’s education minister reiterated that all parents wishing to engage in their children’s education are welcome, provided they do not wear religious symbols.
“Students must be able to learn in a neutral environment, free of religious pressure, and in keeping with Quebec’s values of gender equality,” the statement read. However, Khan argues that wearing a hijab is her personal choice and an expression of her identity. “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.
Khan and Qureshi remain determined to advocate against the restrictions imposed by Bill 94, hoping for a shift in the current narrative and policies.
Why it Matters
The situation faced by Khan and Qureshi underscores a broader discussion regarding religious freedom and inclusivity within Quebec’s educational institutions. As policies continue to evolve, the implications for community engagement and the representation of minority groups in schools are significant. The voices of these mothers reflect a growing demand for a more inclusive approach that respects individual choices while fostering a supportive learning environment for all children. Their ongoing advocacy may serve as a catalyst for change in addressing the complexities of religious expression in public life.
