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
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.