TORONTO (August 31, 2017) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) commends the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) for passing a motion at its board meeting last night to stand up against hate.

The motion, initiated by Trustee Ken Lister, calls on the TDSB Director to “review the policies and procedures for issuing permits to ensure schools do not become forums for spreading anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and any form of hatred.”  This motion comes on the heels of recent incidents of hatred in public spaces, mentioning that hate groups booked rooms at Toronto public libraries, and the plan to hold a rally at the University of Toronto to spread hatred.

“The anti-hate motion passed by the TDSB is a welcome initiative considering the rise in antisemitic incidents we have seen over the summer,” said Avi Benlolo, President and CEO of FSWC. “We urge public bodies including school boards, municipal governments, and other community groups to follow this example in reviewing policies to ensure that there is zero tolerance for antisemitism and racism in public institutions.”

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FSWC works tirelessly to counter hate and intolerance in communities across the country. Please take a moment to sign our petition to "Stand Up To Hate" calling on Ontario’s Attorney General to take action in prosecuting hate crimes. The petition can be found at www.friendsofsimonwiesenthalcenter.com/petition on the FSWC website.