Montreal students at Dawson and Vanier colleges went on strike Friday afternoon to protest Quebec’s proposed Bill 9 and Bill 14, calling the measures discriminatory and detrimental to religious minorities.
Protesters say Muslim students are particularly affected by Bill 9, which would expand the framework of secularism in the province by restricting the use of religious symbols for some workers, banning prayer rooms in schools and limiting congregational prayers in certain public places.
The Dawson Students’ Union said the demonstration was part of a wider effort to defend students’ rights and oppose what they see as policies targeting minority communities.
“We have to fight this discriminatory law because it cannot continue,” said Ines Benlaribi, a member of the Dawson Students’ Union.
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Students and faculty at Dawson argue that the law addresses a problem that does not exist, and points to a diverse college environment where students of different faiths coexist without problems.
“It’s really part of our student identity to continue to promote our identity and be proud of our culture and celebrate it on campus,” said one student.
At Vanier College, students unanimously voted to join the strike in solidarity.
“There are people from all over the world here who believe in everything, so Bill 9, which actively limits our religious freedom, really impacts Vanier and its students,” said Morgane Paquet, president of the Vanier Student Association.
Organizers say access to prayer space is a major concern, arguing that students cannot always leave campus to carry out religious services.
“Students are studying and it will be difficult for them to organize their schedules,” said Fouad Aimen Ounes.
Some protesters warned that the move could discourage students from continuing their education in Quebec, especially those who feel unable to express their identity freely.
“If someone doesn’t impose their beliefs on you, you shouldn’t feel offended by what they do,” says Sami Magdeoudi. “People have the right to be themselves.”
Critics also raised concerns about the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause to pass laws that override certain Charter protections, and warned of broader impacts on civil liberties.
Organizers estimate more than 45,000 students across the province support the call for Bill 9 to be repealed.
English-language institutions also criticized Law no. 14, saying the law limits access to English-language education, limits options for Francophone students and creates additional barriers for Indigenous students.
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