
Directors Message: Honouring and Reflecting on the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia
Dear HWDSB Community,
On January 29th, we come together to remember the tragic events of the Quebec City Mosque shooting that took place in 2017. This marks the eighth anniversary of a horrific act of Islamophobic violence and anti-Muslim hate that took the lives of six Muslim men as they were worshipping at Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City. The impact of this tragedy has been felt not only by the families directly affected but also by Muslim communities across Canada and worldwide.
As we reflect on this painful and dark moment in Canadian History, we must also recognize the ongoing presence and rise of Islamophobia and other forms of racial and religious based hatred that continue to affect individuals and communities, both locally and globally.
At HWDSB schools and workplaces, we are committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces where our values of dignity, compassion, trust, and joy are felt and experienced by everyone. It is crucial that we continue to educate ourselves about the effects of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate, including exploring ways we can better support Muslim students, staff, and communities.
That is why this year, HWDSB staff system-wide have been engaging in learning about understanding and challenging Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hate and anti-Palestinian racism. This learning is designed to deepen our knowledge of the experiences of Muslim students and staff to not only respond to Islamophobia and hate, but also to proactively create culturally responsive and Muslim identity-affirming learning and working environments.
Today, let us honour the lives lost by continuing our commitment to working together to combat Islamophobia and stand in solidarity with our Muslim students, staff, families, and communities.
With solidarity,
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education, HWDSB
Updated on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.