Quebec educators are speaking out against Bill 94, a law that extends the ban of religious symbols like face coverings to students, as well as a wider range of employees, including school support staff and parent volunteers.
The controversial law has caused growing concern, especially for Muslim women who say they feel unfairly targeted.
Nevien Waly, a former specialized educator, has spent the past 10 years volunteering at her children’s school. But after Quebec implemented Bill 94, she says she’s no longer allowed inside.
Born and raised just outside of Montreal, in neighbouring Brossard, Waly has lived there her entire life. “I’ve never known any other country. My kids have never known any other country. So, this is home,” she said.
“It’s hard to understand that because I dress in a certain way, that I can no longer be involved.”
On Thursday, 12 school support workers in the Mille-Îles region of Quebec lost their jobs due to the law.
Critics of Bill 94 say Quebec’s already crippled education system can’t afford further losses.
“The biggest problem we see is overworking,” said Annie Charland, president of the school support sector of the FEESP-CSN. “Staff are tired, they can’t take it anymore, but they come anyway because they know their colleagues will have even more to do,” she said.
Union leaders said the 12 jobs lost in Mille-Îles have affected up to 540 students, who now need new staff.
“I have to tell you, the people who lost their jobs chose to lose their jobs. They chose not to obey the law,” said Bernard Drainville, the former Quebec education minister who sponsored Bill 94.
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“I’m being told once again by a man, what I can and cannot wear,” said Waly.
For Aisha Khan, an occupational therapist and parent volunteer, this “choice” is being made under coercion. “Is that really a choice?” she asked.
Khan has spent close to a decade volunteering at her children’s school, but Bill 94 has prohibited her from continuing that involvement.
“When (my children) look and they say, ‘well, mommy who wears a hijab, she’s not allowed to come. Is there a reason why? Is she doing something wrong?’” asked Khan.
For the mother, volunteering has become an important part of her routine — a way to be present for her children.
“This is not what represents Quebec. This isn’t the Quebec I was brought up in,” said Waly. “I don’t feel welcome here anymore,” she added.
