Teacher removed from a Chelsea, Que. elementary classroom for wearing a hijab
Parents and students at an elementary school in Chelsea, Que. say they are shocked a teacher was removed from the classroom for wearing a hijab.
The Western Quebec School Board confirms the Grade 3 teacher at Chelsea Elementary School was removed from the classroom because of Bill 21, Quebec's law that bans the wearing of religious symbols by certain government employees deemed to be in positions of authority while at work.
Parents of Grade 3 students at the school received an email on Friday, Dec. 3 letting them know the teacher would no longer be in the classroom. Some parents later learned the teacher was removed because of Bill 21.
"It's shocking as a parent to see this come into action within our small little community," said parent Amanda DeGrace.
"Now to have to have conversations we've had with our kids before, but actually have conversations that they're able to connect the dots of something they're seeing happening in real time and in real life, and it is very sad to me that we're seeing Bill 21 come into action and the impact that it's having on everyone involved."
Quebec's Bill 21 came into effect in June 2019, and prohibits public-sector workers who are deemed to be in positions of authority from wearing symbols such as hijabs, kippahs or turbans while at work.
This week, parents have been placing green ribbons on a fence outside the school in support of the teacher.
"As a way to help show support and solidarity with this teacher who has been affected by this Bill 21," said DeGrace.
"We are asking people to please speak up. It's really, really important as a community that we help to create change and we take action for that change to happen."
In an interview with CTV News Ottawa, Western Quebec School Board interim chair Wayne Daly said the board removed the teacher from the classroom once the human resources department was made aware of the situation.
"The majority of the western Quebecers I've spoken to are against Bill 21, we've made our intentions and our feelings known to the government," said Daly.
"Subsequent to that, the government did proceed with the bill and it is law now, and as a section of the education system within the government it is our responsibility to follow the laws of the province."
All principals at schools within the Western Quebec School Board received a memo outlining the law and to "take it into consideration when you're hiring teachers," said Daly.
Daly says the board told the Quebec government that it "categorically stated our opposition to Bill 21 from the basic human rights perspective," adding the law is "unethical."
The Western Quebec School Board says the teacher will remain employed with the school in "another function," but would not release further details.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Terrifying': Manitoba resident speaks on wildfire and evacuation
As a pair of wildfires burn near Flin Flon and The Pas, a number of Manitobans are being told to evacuate their homes.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
DEVELOPING Michael Cohen takes the stand as testimony in Trump hush money case enters 4th week
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
opinion Harry and Meghan's Nigerian adventure: Traditional attire to warm welcomes
For her latest column on CTVNews.ca, royal commentator Afua Hagan writes about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Nigeria, calling it a 'deeply meaningful campaign' that was about aligning their ongoing efforts to foster mental-health awareness and promoting the Invictus Games.