Over the past few years, there’s been an unsettling increase in hate-related crimes reported to police. More recently, Canadian Muslims have expressed growing concerns about anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab crimes and backlash. In Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Muslim community is raising concerns over the rising rates of Islamophobia. Back in September, a local mosque received phone calls claiming Muslims were “traitors” to Canada.
To address these growing concerns in Manitoba, the provincial government is forming a working group to address Islamophobia in Manitoba’s kindergarten to grade 12 education system. Members of the working group cover various sectors, from the department to faith leaders, community advocacy groups, and educators.
The group will develop training and professional opportunities and resources for educators and provide input to Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning regarding K-12 anti-racism and anti-oppression policy initiatives. This work will build upon the Manitoba Islamic Association’s Embracing Diversity in Manitoba Education K-12 Toolkit.
