The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) Denounces Recent Anti-Sikh Vandalism as Hate Crime

TORONTO, July 11, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is deeply concerned about the recent vandalism of the Khalsa Community School in Brampton, Ontario. Teenage vandals scrawled swastikas and the letters "KKK" onto the walls of the Sikh elementary school. Over the past year, a number of Sikh community institutions were vandalized across Canada. The spray-painting of a Montreal temple in December, and the vandalism of Vaisakhi Parade posters in Surrey, B.C. are two examples.

"We appeal to the Peel Regional Police to consider the Brampton incident as a hate crime and implement an assertive strategy of combating all manifestations of racism and discrimination under their jurisdiction," said Ayman Al-Yassini, Senior Executive Vice President of the CRRF. "The CRRF urges Canadians to join hands in building bridges among and between communities and to speak up against racism and discrimination, "Al-Yassini added.

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation's mission is to provide independent, outspoken national leadership, and act as a resource and facilitator in the pursuit of equity, fairness and social justice for all Canadians. One of the Foundation's projects, "Interfaith and Belonging: A civic Education and Engagement Initiative" , includes over 20 communities across the country and seeks to promote the sense of belonging among Canadians of different backgrounds

Ayman Al-Yassini, 416-952-4476
www.crrf-fcrr.ca