The practice has been going on for years — as it has in some Toronto public schools — but only recently been targeted by critics by way of protest and petitions demanding the 20 minutes of group prayer, called Jummah, be banned. Article Continued BelowAt Wednesday night’s board meeting, police were present and had to clear the room after tempers flared. She went on to say that as a board, the issue is settled, and “we have said we will no longer hear delegations, nor accept public questions on this provincial requirement. “We encourage parents and students to have an ongoing dialogue with their schools if an accommodation is required or whether there are concerns. “This is an important step toward addressing systemic racism in our public institutions, as well as other forms of discrimination.”

Source: thestar March 23, 2017 14:48 UTC