Peel school board investigating alleged assault on hijab-wearing student at Mississauga school
Posted January 18, 2023 9:05 pm.
Last Updated January 19, 2023 9:00 pm.
The Peel District School Board is investigating after a student wearing a hijab was allegedly assaulted by another student at a Mississauga secondary school last month.
A video posted to social media shows two students engaged in a conversation before one of them starts to push and then repeatedly punch the other before verbally assaulting her.
In a letter sent home to parents, the principal of The Woodlands School confirmed the incident took place, and that the school is conducting its own investigation.
“I want to remind you and your child(ren) that Islamophobia is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at our school,” wrote Omar Zia, without going into detail about the nature of the assault.
“We know the hurt and harm that words and actions can cause. We also recognize the depth of Islamophobia that some of our staff, students and their families have experienced.”
A spokesperson with the Peel District School Board says they are aware of the incident and that “administration and school board officials are continuing to investigate all aspects of the matter.”
The National Council of Canadian Muslims said it was aware of the “disturbing video” and that they have reached out to the victim and the school.
Peel police tell CityNews they were called about an assault incident in the area.
“An investigation was conducted however there were no criminal charges laid,” police said in a statement.
