Parents question anti-Islamophobia action plan

A group of concerned parents is raising questions about the Manitoba government’s anti-Islamophobia action plan.

Appearing before the Brandon School Division’s board of trustees Monday evening, the parents said they fear the action plan’s implementation in schools could compromise long-standing principles of religious neutrality.

About 15 parents attended the meeting, including five who presented to the board. When asked later by the Sun to provide their names, they declined, citing “safety concerns.” According to the meeting agenda, Ketan Patel, identified as a citizen of Brandon, was scheduled to present on the action plan and its potential application in schools.

Speaking on behalf of the group, one parent told trustees their presentation was not intended “to criticize any Asian belief or cultural group,” but to highlight the importance of maintaining religious neutrality in public schools.

“We fully support efforts to create schools where every child feels safe, respected and included and strongly believe that all forms of discrimination should be addressed in education,” he said.

“But when school-wide initiatives focus on specific religion, identities or beliefs, even with good intentions, they may unintentionally create confusion, division among students and family.”

The Manitoba government’s K-to-12 anti-Islamophobia action plan, released in December 2025, aims to address discrimination against Muslim students and promote inclusion, according to the province’s website.

Developed with educators and community leaders, it offers guidance, not a mandatory curriculum, focusing on awareness, educator training, student support and community partnerships, including recognizing Muslim contributions, observances such as Ramadan and Eid, and strengthening partnerships between schools and Muslim communities.

Another parent at the meeting referenced Manitoba’s Public Schools Act and said public education has historically been non-sectarian.

“We strongly believe public schools should focus on shared universal values such as kindness, respect and anti-bullying, without shifting into areas that may be perceived as promoting any religious perspective,” he said.

Three other speakers also raised concerns about transparency and the potential for confusion among students. One of them said children have already begun asking why certain beliefs might be discussed more than others, while another questioned how classroom discussions would be handled if students expressed criticism of a religion.

“Would that student be considered discriminatory?” the parent asked. “Such uncertainty could create anxiety for both students and families. There are other ways to address racism.”

Parents further asked how the division would ensure compliance with legal requirements for neutrality, how families would be informed about classroom content and whether there would be processes to review or correct programming that may conflict with those principles.

Trustee Breeanna Sieklicki asked the administration whether families would have the option to opt out of lessons tied to sensitive or religion-related topics, like provisions in health education.

Supt. Mathew Gustafson clarified that the provincial anti-Islamophobia action plan is not a curriculum document or directive, but rather a framework.

“It provides guidance, but it’s not something I would interpret as mandatory curriculum,” he said, adding that further information could be brought back to the board on how such frameworks interact with existing curriculum.

Sieklicki acknowledged the parents’ concerns, noting the importance of not minimizing their perspectives while also seeking clarity on how, or if, the plan would translate into classroom teaching.

Trustee Lorraine McConnell asked the group to provide specific examples of potential impacts on students.

In response, one parent pointed to how discussions around religious observances, such as Ramadan, could lead to deeper theological conversations that may place students in difficult positions if those ideas conflict with beliefs taught at home.

Parents also drew comparisons to broader school practices, including the shift from Christmas concerts to winter concerts, arguing such changes reflect efforts to maintain neutrality.

Board chair Linda Ross thanked the parents for their presentations.

“I think that it’s really important that we share your concerns with the province, because this is provincially mandated,” Ross said. “That’s where the action needs to occur.”

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