NCCM condemns vandalism of Ottawa Catholic elementary school

(Ottawa – September 6, 2016) The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a prominent civil liberties & advocacy organization, condemns the recent vandalism of a local Ottawa school, calling it a hate crime.

According to a media report, the St. Theresa Catholic School in Ottawa’s east end was spray-painted with a swastika some time over the weekend.

“It’s very sad to see such symbols of hate in our communities,” says NCCM Executive Director Ihsaan Gardee. “The perpetrators may not even realize what this means, or how it hurts all of us. We hope the authorities will find whoever is responsible so that they are prosecuted for this criminal behaviour.

“We all must continue to work together to relentlessly combat all forms of xenophobia, racism and hate. We call on our elected officials, law enforcement agencies, community and national institutions, as well as on regular citizens, to do all they can in ensuring our communities remain safe and welcoming for all.”

The NCCM launched a Charter for Inclusive Communities last July which condemns all forms of bigotry. The Charter has so far been endorsed by over a hundred elected officials, institutional representatives, and individuals.

The NCCM also distributes Community Safety Guides to encourage individuals and institutions to take various precautions against possible hate crimes, and to immediately report suspicious activities to police.