How Intolerance in Schools Harms Students: Examining the Case of a Londonderry Teacher’s Reprimand of a Muslim Student for Skipping Pride Events

As per National Post, “in the nearly two-minute-long audio recording, a Edmonton public school teacher told the Muslim student that it was “unacceptable” that they skipped class to avoid attending Pride-related events.

She began her lecture by saying that there was no complaint from peers when the Muslim holiday Ramadan was acknowledged during school.

“It goes two ways. If you want to be respected for who you are, if you don’t want to suffer prejudice for your religion, your colour of skin or whatever, then you better give it back to people who are different from you. That’s how it works,” said the teacher.”

In today’s diverse society, it’s important to promote freedom of religion and respect for all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or identities. It’s also crucial to recognize that not everyone may share the same values or beliefs.

Religious beliefs are deeply personal and can shape a person’s worldview and moral code. For some individuals, their religious beliefs may conflict with other values, such as same-sex marriage or transgender rights. It’s important to respect the beliefs of others and not force them to participate in activities or events that go against their religious beliefs.

It’s also important to recognize that religious freedom is a fundamental human right. Individuals have the right to hold their own religious beliefs and to practice their religion without fear of discrimination or persecution. This means that individuals should not face legal action or accusations of discrimination for not participating in or supporting events that’s against their values.

In today’s world, there is a growing emphasis on the importance of respecting and celebrating diversity.

While this is a positive development, it is important to remember that not everyone may share the same beliefs or values when it comes to issues of sexuality and gender identity. It is crucial that we promote freedom of religion and allow people to hold their beliefs without fear of discrimination or persecution.

As a society, we must recognize that everyone has the right to hold their own beliefs and values. Religious beliefs are deeply personal and can shape a person’s worldview and moral code.

While it is important to promote acceptance and tolerance, it is equally important to respect the beliefs of others and not force them to participate in activities or events that go against their religious beliefs.

It is especially important to recognize that religious freedom is a fundamental human right. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, recognizes that “everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.” This means that individuals have the right to hold their own religious beliefs and to practice their religion without fear of discrimination or persecution.

Unfortunately, there have been instances where individuals or religious organizations have faced legal action or accusations of discrimination for not participating in or celebrating events holds the exact opposite of their values. This is a concerning trend, as it can create a climate of fear and intolerance towards those who hold different beliefs.

It’s crucial to create a culture of understanding and respect towards all individuals. Celebrating diversity should be an inclusive and voluntary activity, and individuals should not be pressured or coerced into participating in something that goes against their beliefs. At CLLC Canadian Schools ,teachers and educators are respectful of their students’ beliefs and not make assumptions about their identities based on their participation or non-participation in certain events or activities.

Ed Charpentier, the principal of Londonderry School, sent out a letter to parents saying that the views expressed by the teacher are not representative of the school’s values.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims tweeted about the incident saying that they were “deeply concerned” and said the teacher was engaging in “deeply Islamophobic, inappropriate and harassing behaviour.”

In conclusion, promoting freedom of religion and respecting the beliefs of others is essential in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals. It’s important to foster a culture of understanding and respect towards all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or identities. By promoting positive culture, we can create a more inclusive and respectful society for all. This is what Canada stands for, freedom for all people.