The rising tide of intolerance, Islamophobia and antisemitism in local communities is prompting Simcoe County's public school board to wade in.
On Nov. 13, the Simcoe County District School Board's Human Rights and Equity Office is hosting a responsive dialogue session for students' parents, guardians and adult family members.
This event is scheduled for Bradford District High School (70 Professor Day Dr.) at 6 p.m. It will include guest speakers Dr. Barbara Landau and Shahid Akhtar from the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims.
"(These) sessions are part of creating a culture of human rights, equity, and inclusion, fostering understanding, and cultivating well-being and mental health," board human rights and equity manager Tahmena Bokhari said in an email circulated to parents last week. "The session is intended to create a facilitated space to work together on the feelings and experiences surrounding this time in the spirit of mutual respect and care."
The board's goal is to ensure schools remain safe and inclusive, Bokhari said.
"We strive to create stability within our classrooms and environments that foster a sense of belonging and well-being," Bokhari said. "Islamophobia and antisemitism have no place in our schools. Everyone in our community has a role to play."
Participants are asked to register in advance. For more information, email [email protected].
