Sabaah Khan began volunteering at her children’s school in Montreal’s South Shore when there was a lack of parent volunteers. For the past eight years, she has been actively involved in the school library, assisting with book organization and reading to students. However, a recent email from the Riverside School Board informed Khan, who wears a hijab, that due to Law 29 (Bill 94) enforcing secularism in Quebec, she was no longer permitted to volunteer at the school or participate in activities such as driving students to events.
Expressing her disappointment, Khan emphasized that the enforcement of removing religious attire infringed upon her right to practice her faith, which she considers a fundamental aspect of her identity. While the school board stated that they were implementing the law to maintain a welcoming environment for students, the impact on individuals like Khan has been significant.
Bill 94, an extension of Quebec’s original secularism law, Bill 21, has introduced further restrictions in schools, including a ban on religious symbols for all school employees and parent volunteers. This legislation, according to former education minister Bernard Drainville, aims to separate public schools from religious affiliations.
The repercussions of these laws have been felt by various individuals, including teachers like Amrit Kaur, who had to relocate to British Columbia to pursue her teaching career due to the restrictions imposed by Bill 21. Similarly, Montreal English teacher Bouchera Chelbi, affected by the acquired rights clause, faces limitations in career advancement due to the requirement of removing her hijab for job changes or promotions.
Additionally, parent volunteers, such as Asma Qureshi and Pavandeep Magon, have been turned away from volunteering activities at their children’s schools due to the ban on religious symbols. These individuals, who view volunteering as a part of their faith and identity, have expressed their dismay at being excluded from school activities.
The uncertainties surrounding the application of these laws have led to confusion and anxiety among parent volunteers. Despite the challenges, individuals like Khan, Kaur, and Chelbi are actively involved in legal challenges against these laws, hoping for a positive outcome that preserves their rights and values.