Department of Communication Studies Resolution Against Bill 62

We, the members of Department of Communication Studies, affirm that Québec's Bill 62, “Loi favorisant le respect de la neutralité religieuse de l’État,” passed into law on 18 October 2017, discriminates specifically against one group, Muslim women who wear face coverings, and that this discrimination is by no means necessitated by public security or any other cogent reason. Moreover, as similar laws elsewhere have shown, the real effect of this law will be to restrict women’s access to services and public space. It is clear to us that the new law contravenes the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Québec's Charte des droits et libertés de la personne, and Concordia University’s policies regarding “civility, equity, respect, non-discrimination, and an appreciation of diversity” and the rights of all members of the University to “freedom of conscience and religion; freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression” (Concordia Policy BD-3). Accordingly, the Department of Communication Studies refuses to enforce its provisions in our classrooms and offices. We urge the University and all the unions representing University employees to join us in our stance.