Hindu Forum Canada (HFC) has addressed a concerning issue involving a teacher at Woodbridge College, Mr. Moiz Biviji, whose actions and public statements have sparked outrage within the Indo-Canadian community. In a detailed letter to Ms. Michelle Randall, the principal of Woodbridge College, HFC highlighted the teacher’s promotion of Nazi ideology and blatant Hinduphobia through social media posts and car stickers comparing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Adolf Hitler.
Expressing Deep Concern
HFC’s letter to Principal Randall, with copies sent to key personnel in the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), expressed profound dismay at Mr. Biviji’s behavior. The organization underscored the seriousness of permitting such hateful and divisive rhetoric in any Canadian educational institution, emphasizing the duty of school leadership to uphold a respectful and inclusive environment.
Promoting Hatred and Divisiveness
The letter detailed community complaints regarding Mr. Biviji’s social media posts and the offensive artwork on his vehicle, which promotes a narrative of hate against Hindus and the Indian government. HFC’s directors expressed concern that Mr. Biviji’s actions could sow confusion and hatred among students and their families, urging the school administration to take immediate action to address and rectify the situation.
Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
HFC reminded the school administration of the severe legal and ethical implications of allowing an educator to disseminate Nazi propaganda and hate speech. The letter stressed the importance of maintaining professional standards within educational institutions and highlighted the potential legal consequences of failing to address such misconduct.
The Role of Educators
Emphasizing the crucial role educators play in shaping young minds, HFC urged that schools remain unbiased and dedicated to fostering a united and educated society. The organization called for immediate reprimand and an apology from Mr. Biviji for his insensitive actions, stressing the need for teachers to serve as positive role models and promote inclusivity.
Community Impact
HFC’s letter also highlighted the broader implications of Mr. Biviji’s actions on the Indo-Canadian community, which includes over 1.5 million individuals, with approximately 500,000 Hindus. The organization noted the increasing reports of Hinduphobia in Canada and stressed the importance of addressing such incidents to prevent further division and promote harmony.
Call for Action
HFC concluded the letter by requesting a call with Principal Randall to discuss the matter further and seek an explanation for Mr. Biviji’s actions. The organization expressed a desire to resolve the issue peacefully but warned that failure to take appropriate action could escalate the situation to a legal matter involving the entire school board.
Commitment to Inclusivity
HFC reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive and respectful educational environment and called on the York Region District School Board to uphold its policies on violence prevention, intervention, and non-code workplace harassment. The organization looks forward to a prompt and positive response from the school administration and hopes for a swift resolution to this concerning issue.
In these challenging times, it is imperative that educators and institutions stand against hatred and work towards fostering an environment where all students feel safe and respected, regardless of their race, religion, or background. HFC remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the rights and well-being of the Hindu community in Canada.