Southwestern Ontario's largest public school board said schools will take part in several commemorative actions as the one-year anniversary of the attack on the Afzaal family approaches.
The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) announced on Wednesday it is partnering with the City of London and other community organizations and agencies and plans to honour a Muslim family that was run down and killed on June 6, 2021, by the driver of a pickup truck who has since been accused of a committing a terrorist attack.
Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, their 15-year-old daughter Yumna Afzaal and Salman Afzaal’s 74-year-old mother Talat Afzaal were out for an evening walk when they were killed by the moving vehicle. The youngest Afzaal, 9-year-old son Fayez Salman, was the lone survivor of the attack.
The TVDSB said it plans to take part in a series of important actions and age-appropriate discussions about the tragic events that took place last year.
"Hate has no place in our schools or in our community, and as a school board, we deeply respect and support our Muslim community," said Education Director Mark Fisher in a release. "We are committed to continuing to learn about the stereotypes and implicit biases that can lead to hate crimes against Muslims."
On Monday, June 6, 2022, the school board will lower all flags to half-mast for the day. School signs will also reflect a message of support for Our London Family.
Staff and students will also participate in a 15-minute walk to serve as a time to reflect, honour and bring attention to the issues of Islamophobia and a moment of silence will be held. Students and staff will also be encouraged to wear purple and green, with purple being Yumna's favourite colour and green representing a stance against Islamophobia.
Last week, city officials announced plans to honour the Afzaal family over five days from June 3 to June 8.