Muslim Mothers Barred from Volunteering in Quebec Schools Over Hijab Spark Debate

Muslim Mothers Barred from Volunteering in Quebec Schools Over Hijab Spark Debate
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A decision preventing Muslim mothers from volunteering in elementary schools in the Canadian province of Quebec has sparked public debate after the women said the restriction was due to their wearing the Hijab.

One of the affected parents, Sabah Khan, who lives in Brossard, said she had volunteered in her children’s schools for more than a decade. Her activities included helping in the school library and assisting during vaccination days. However, she recently said she was informed by the Riverside School Board that she could no longer volunteer because she wears a hijab.

Speaking to Global News, Khan said schools rely heavily on volunteers to support teachers and staff who are already facing heavy workloads, adding that the decision left her feeling excluded.

Another parent, Asma Qureshi, said she was allowed to prepare food for her child’s graduation event but was not permitted to help distribute it because of her head covering.

The controversy is linked to Bill 21, which prohibits certain public-sector employees, including teachers, from wearing visible religious symbols while working. In 2024, the restrictions were expanded through Bill 94, extending limitations to a broader range of personnel in schools.