U of A Graduate Students’ Association condemns rising Islamophobia in Edmonton

The Graduate Students’ Association at the University of Alberta has released a statement condemning the rise of Islamophobia in the City of Edmonton.

The statement, issued by the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) on February 4, described the “rising tide of Islamophobia within the city” as deeply troubling. This statement follows an attack on January 1 against a Black Muslim woman outside of Al Ameen Mosque in Edmonton, and was released shortly after the anniversary of the Quebec City mosque shooting in 2017. The GSA’s statement condemned these attacks and the Islamophobia that fuels them.

The statement specifically condemned the targeting of Muslim women wearing the hijab, who often bear the brunt of Islamophobia.

“These reported incidents make clear how Muslim women — often Muslim hijabi women — are targeted for acts of violence for no reason other than their perceived vulnerability,” the statement said. “These women have been arbitrarily appointed to bear the brunt of Islamophobia and xenophobia rampant in our communities, by perpetrators possessing a staggering level of intolerance and inhumanity.”

The statement urged political leaders of all jurisdictions to take stronger action against Islamophobia, and also noted the need for measures within the post-secondary community.

“We recognize that Islamophobia has marred even our University community,” the statement said. “Our own friends, colleagues, peers, and mentors have been subject to such discrimination within as well as beyond campus. We will continue to passionately advocate on their behalf and strive towards a campus culture which truly embodies Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for all.”

The statement specifically called on the U of A to take measures towards the prevention of Islamophobia against Muslim community members.

“We call on the University of Alberta to establish itself as an institution with zero tolerance for Islamophobia, and with the highest regard for ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity,” the statement said. “Such an institution should set out to develop a prevention and response framework to ensure Muslim members of our community can continue their work and study in a safe and inclusive environment.”

The GSA’s statement concluded by acknowledging the names of those lost in the Quebec City mosque shooting in 2017, and affirmed their solidarity with the Muslim community in Canada.

“Our thoughts and hearts are with our Muslim brothers and sisters across Canada. We stand with them.”