Calls grow to ensure international students feel at home in September
Western University and Fanshawe College is a second home for many international students, but do they all feel welcome? And could the alleged terrorist incident on June 6 make it harder to attract new international students?
“As the events played out, it’s like I am not really safe anywhere.”
Some international students at Western and Fanshawe are struggling in recent days to feel secure in the London Ont., community.
For Muslim student, Areej Ansari it's important to change that.
“As a visibly Muslim girl I have had classmates tell me to just take it off (points to hijab) and stuff like that is not acceptable.”
As of this school year, 16 per cent of Western’s student population is international, with 37 per cent making up Fanshawe’s student population.
The Muslim Student Association at Western (MSA), says the key is not just saying students are welcome, but by reflecting their needs on campus.
Ansari says this can happen, by creating more prayer rooms on campus and being conscious of exam periods not falling on Muslim holidays.
Chris Alleyne, Associate Vice-President Housing & Ancillary services at Western University, says the university is committed to working closely with international students - voicing this is just the beginning of steps to come to promote equity, diversity and inclusion on campus.
‘Western is committed to creating a safe and vibrant community that supports diversity and supports our incoming students. I think the most recent horrible murders we saw are raising some increased levels of concerns and worry, so my offer to them is to reach out to us.’
Four members of the Afzaal family were killed June 6 when they were hit by a vehicle while out for a walk in their neighbourhood.
Nathaniel Veltman, 20, was arrested shortly after and charged with four-counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. Police have said that they believe Veltman did not know the family, but targeted them with his vehicle because of their Muslim faith.
A London Mosque spokesperson, Zeba Hashmi, says members of the mosque do their best to make sure new Canadians feel at home in London Ont.
“This is their home. I remember when I was new to London from Saskatchewan, this was the first place I headed to, the mosque. This is the place to find your future friends and you connect through the city through the mosque.”
Areej Ansari, says at the end of the day, it’s up to those non-international students to make everyone feel safe at school come September.
“I think as the odd one out it's hard to stand up for yourself, you shouldn’t put them in a position where they feel vulnerable either, because that is when they assimilate just to fit in.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
ArriveCan contractor to be admonished by MPs in extraordinarily rare parliamentary display
Enacting an extraordinarily rarely used parliamentary power, MPs have summoned an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon to be admonished publicly for failing to answer their questions.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Gas prices across Ontario expected to climb to levels not seen since 2022, analyst says
Ontario is going to see a big jump at the pumps later this week as gas prices in the province hit levels not seen in nearly two years, according to one industry analyst.
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings
More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archeological site in southwest France.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s sons have released a single together
A new Lennon and McCartney collaboration is the last thing anybody expected.