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Two Muslim mothers in Quebec have voiced their concerns after being informed that they can no longer volunteer at their children’s elementary schools due to their choice to wear hijabs. Sabaah Khan, a long-time resident of Brossard, has dedicated over ten years to volunteering in various capacities, including assisting with library tasks and vaccination days. She 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.”
Confusion Over School Policies
Khan recently received a notice from the Riverside School Board indicating that she would no longer be permitted to volunteer because of her hijab. “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.” This situation highlights the broader implications of Bill 94, legislation that prohibits teachers and school staff from wearing religious symbols on school premises.
The law, enacted in 2019, has led to confusion regarding its interpretation and enforcement. Khan described a recent incident where she was questioned about her presence in a gymnasium while watching her son play basketball. “They’re constantly looking while playing a game to make sure mom’s still sitting there,” she explained. “It’s just not fair, and the damage it’s doing to the kids is very difficult.”
Impact on Community Involvement
Asma Qureshi, another affected mother, has also faced restrictions. While she and her husband are set to provide food for their child’s graduation, they have been told that she cannot serve it during 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 remarked.
Both women have expressed that they do not hold the schools or school boards responsible, recognising that the staff who communicated this policy seemed to have limited agency in the matter. In a statement, the Riverside School Board affirmed its commitment to implementing Bill 94 with professionalism, ensuring that staff are adequately informed and supported.
Government’s Stance on Religious Symbols
The office of Quebec’s education minister issued a statement reiterating that all parents are welcome to engage in their children’s education, provided they do not wear religious symbols. The minister’s office emphasised the necessity for students to learn in an environment devoid of religious influences, asserting that this aligns with Quebec’s values of gender equality.
Khan defended her choice to wear a hijab, stating, “This is a part of my choice to dress modestly, and you can’t take away my right to my freedom of choice.” Both she and Qureshi have committed to speaking out against Bill 94 in hopes of fostering change within the system.
Why it Matters
The actions taken against these mothers raise significant questions about inclusivity and the rights of individuals to express their cultural and religious identities. The implications of Bill 94 extend beyond personal choice, impacting the relationship between families and educational institutions. As communities strive for diversity and acceptance, the experiences of Khan and Qureshi serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the right to participate fully in society, regardless of one’s appearance or beliefs.
