Ottawa students walk out of class in support of Palestinian people
Hundreds of students walked out of class Wednesday morning at a Catholic high school in Gloucester to protest what they described as discrimination against the Palestinian people.
More than 300 students left their classes at St. Francis Xavier High School at 9:25 a.m.
"The Catholic school board are showing no attention to Palestine through this whole crisis," said Anas Arif, a student who was involved in the rally. "They have shown attention to other causes, but when it comes to Palestine, it’s a gray area."
Students from Grades 9 to 12 walked out during the school’s first period.
"I’m here because I support Palestine fully," said Jenna Mustapha, a Grade 11 student. "I think it’s really good for us as a school to be protesting because they don’t really get a lot of air, like nobody really knows what’s going on in Palestine.”
The group marched down Limebank Road to Earl Armstrong Road, carrying flags and a banner.
"I’m here to support the protest for Palestine," said Lana Alhumsi, a Grade 11 student, adding that she has family affected by the ongoing conflict.
The decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the world’s longest-running and intractable.
Palestinians who live in Gaza and the West Bank say they are suffering because of Israeli actions. Israel argues it’s only acting to protect itself and its citizens from Palestinian violence.
The United Nations considers Israeli’s control over the West Bank an occupation. Israel claims the land based on historical and religious rights as the ancestral land of the Jewish people.
A spokesperson for the Ottawa Catholic School Board issued a statement saying:
"The school respects the right of students to advocate for issues that are important to them. We encourage students to meet with members of their administrative team to discuss ways to express their concerns while not disrupting their class attendance."
The board says around 100 students of the 300 that walked out, did go back to class after the protest.
"We all came together for one main cause and that’s to raise awareness,” Arif said. “Hopefully the school board will see and they will be motivated to help other students raise awareness, raise funds, and help in any way possible.”
The board says parents were notified of the planned protest on Tuesday.
A spokesperson says the principal has now reached out to the Association of Palestinian Arab Canadians for further discussions as a school community.
Editors’ Note: This story has been updated with additional context on the Israel-Palestine conflict. An initial version of the story did not include the necessary background information.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.