Girl, 12, kicked out of Quebec karate class for wearing hijab: human rights commission
CTV
The Quebec Human Rights Commission is seeking $13,000 for the family of a 12-year-old girl who was kicked out of her karate class for wearing a hijab.
The Quebec Human Rights Commission is seeking $13,000 for the family of a 12-year-old girl who was kicked out of her karate class for wearing a hijab.
Commission documents show the girl still feels she needs to justify her choice to wear it.
"For their part, the plaintiffs felt a feeling of injustice and exclusion on the part of the defendants and they remain worried about the effects of the situation in dispute for their daughter," the ruling reads.
For 42 years, George Manoli has taught martial arts and self defence. He's competed for Canada in karate and has students who wear hijabs, which he says has never been an issue.
"We just make adjustments. I mean, we had more pins, whatever, so we make adjustments. So you just adjust according to whatever problem you're facing. But it shouldn't be a reason to say, 'You can't do this,'" Manoli said.
But according to the ruling, a 12-year-old girl was kicked out of her class for wearing one. Her instructor at Karate Auto Défense Lamarre questioned the choice and told her unless she took it off she couldn't participate.
