Quebec: Girl Expelled from Karate Class Over Hijab
The Quebec Human Rights Commission is now seeking $13,000 in compensation for her family.
Commission documents reveal that the girl still feels the need to justify her choice to wear the hijab.
"For their part, the plaintiffs felt a feeling of injustice and exclusion on the part of the defendants and they remain worried about the effects of the situation in dispute for their daughter," the ruling reads, CTV News reported on Saturday.
The girl's instructor questioned her choice and insisted she remove the hijab to participate, citing the philosophy of karate that requires uniformity in attire.
However, Karate Canada, the national association representing the sport, permits head coverings and has advocated for their acceptance in competitions.
The organization shared a photo from a recent tournament in Laval where an athlete wore a hijab.
"Karate Canada has taken a leadership role … in petitioning the world karate federation to allow athletes to wear head coverings," the organization said in a statement.
"The world karate federation has approved that hijabs are welcomed to be used in competition." It also clarified that the center in question is not part of its organization.
George Manoli, a martial arts instructor with 42 years of experience, expressed his support for accommodating students who wear hijabs.
"We just make adjustments. I mean, we had more pins, whatever, so we make adjustments. So you just adjust according to whatever problem you're facing. But it shouldn't be a reason to say, 'You can't do this,'" Manoli said.
The Canadian Council of Muslim Women highlighted the distressing nature of such incidents and their potential lasting effects. "I can well imagine a 12-year-old being told off like that because she joined the sport because she loved it," said board member Shaheen Ashraf.
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"It's about time. It's about time that people stood up for their rights, you know, and it's a basic human right."
The girl has since found another dojo where she can train without issue. "Especially a child, we're here to encourage … for them to continue doing this as long as they can," Manoli added. "It's training that should be open to all."
Source: Agencies
