Carleton University School of Social work has reacted with horror and sorrow on hearing the
news of the attack on the Afzaal family, a Muslim family in London, Ontario this week (June 8,
2021). Full PDF.
Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and community members of the murdered Salman
Afzaal and Maniham Salman, their daughter, Yuma, and Salman’s mother, and to their injured
surviving son, Fayez, who was also cruelly attacked while the family was walking along the
sidewalk in their neighbourhood. We stand in solidarity with Canadian Muslims in their shock,
grief and outrage in the wake of this appalling assault. As members of the faculty, staff and
students at Carleton’s School of Social Work, we would like to offer our deepest condolences to
the family and all Muslim communities in Canada at this challenging time.
This deliberate and preplanned attack was intended to spread fear and division among Canadian
communities. Our school unquestionably condemns this type of action in the strongest possible
terms. Our stance is to be part of a peaceful world and demonstrate a more substantial
commitment to stand behind those who are victims of hate and racist actions.
Therefore, the faculty, students, staff and alumni at the School of Social Work together express
our profound opposition to Islamophobia and every form of discrimination and hate based on
race, religion and any form of difference. We want to share our values and most profound
commitment to diversity and difference with Canadian Muslims in this challenging time. Today
we re-affirm our commitment to working towards eradicating Islamophobia and hate against any
of our diverse communities.
Faculty and our Muslim students have been working with university officials to ensure that we
support all those members of our community who have concerns or need assistance today and in
the days to come. We encourage anyone who is in distress to access support at the services noted
below
For students, faculty and staff at Carleton University: Health and Counselling Carleton
https://carleton.ca/health/counselling-services/
Naseeha mental health support for Muslims Call or text 1-866-NASEEHA (627-3342), which
provides confidential support from 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. EST, 7 days a week.
Mental Health Crisis Service (Crisis Line): Anonymous, 24-hour service for young adults,
age 16 and older experiencing a mental health crisis, including suicide. 613-722-6914 or 1-866-
996-0991