I have posted here about the Toronto school district and how they set aside time during the school day and turn one of their buildings into a mosque for the students to pray in. The school even brings in a local imam to lead the service. This article presents a good view from the Canadian side, but still mentions nothing of Islamic doctrine of the tenets driving this take-over of a public school by Islamists.
Just once it would be nice to see a open and honest discussion of how Islam drives much of this kind of behaviour.
From Macleans July 11 by Robyn Urback
Girls should not be segregated on public school property
The Toronto District School Board has gotten a lot of flak this week for its decision to allow weekly Islamic prayer sessions in one of its school’s cafeterias. While supporters and critics have been relentlessly debating the existential question of prayer in public schools, one group caught in the middle has garnered only a fraction of the attention. I’m referring to the female students who participate in Friday prayers at Valley Park Middle School, relegated to the back on the cafeteria and not permitted to participate when menstruating. Indeed, the TDSB itself has mostly skirted (no pun intended) the issue of gender segregation during prayers at Valley Park, absolving itself of responsibility by stating, ”We do not have the authority to tell faith groups how to pray.”
Indeed, the Board is not of such authority in most situations, but here the prayers are happening during school hours, on public school property. Based on sheer geography alone, the TDSB has an obligation to see that the values and provisions outlined in its own Human Rights Policy are upheld within its school walls. The policy states that the Board has, “a duty to maintain an environment respectful of human rights and free of discrimination,” and may not “allow or condone behaviour contrary to this policy.”
How is it that the TDSB can call for instruction on sexism and gender inequality in its Social Studies classes, yet look the other way when girls are facing active discrimination within its walls?
The TDSB’s position is clear. It allows for the differential treatment of girls within its walls by insisting that the services are a community-run initiative, solicited by Valley Park parents and run by a neighbourhood imam. Indeed, according to a statement released by Chris Spence, TDSB director of education, :The division of the sexes which occurs during the service is a part of the Islamic faith.”
Read it all
2 comments:
Why is the law always suspended in favor of Islam?
If a Christian decided to have a Bible Study group during school hours and on school property, that activity would be denied.
If Catholic students wanted to hold a weekly Mass during school hours and on school property, they would be denied.
If students wanted to publicly recite the Lord's Prayer before the beginning of class, they would NOT be allowed to.
Jewish students wanting a Rabbi to visit for a 30 minute weekly study of the Torah, would most certainly be refused.
But when Muslims hold religious services DURING school hours and ON school (public) property they are given carte blanche.
WHY?
The hour has come for Christians and Jews to forget their differences, and for all of our individual churches and synagogues to band together and demand, in unison, an answer as to WHY they are subjected to discrimination and Islam is consistently given special privileges?
Why is Islam above the law?
I don't have a problem with prayer in school per say. What I have a problem with is the school playing an active and/or physical role in supporting such activity. Crossing that line defeats the separation of church and state. Maybe Canadians don't have the same idea's of such a separation.
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