The BCTF is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the hate-motivated attack on a London, Ontario family that has left four dead and a child seriously injured.
“We join our Muslim members and the broader Canadian Muslim community in mourning this profound and senseless loss,” said Teri Mooring, BCTF President. “We must reject hate and stand united in the fight against Islamophobia and domestic terrorism.”
Canadians have witnessed an increase in hate crimes against members of the Muslim community in recent years, including vandalism of mosques, physical and verbal attacks, and a 2017 shooting of a mosque in Quebec that killed six.
“As teachers and caring professionals, in the devastating wake of these murders we must speak the truth of what happened and denounce Islamophobia and racism in all forms,” Mooring said. “Our Muslim colleagues and students are grieving, and many are scared for their own safety. It’s important for us all to take the time to reach out and let them know that they are welcome, loved, and safe in our schools.”
The BCTF has a large collection of anti-Islamophobia resources to support these conversations in classrooms, at home, and in our communities. Please visit our website.