Week 9: Religious Diversity And Culture

 

In Week 9, we explored the impact of media representation of religion and the structure of education in Ontario. We examined how religious groups, especially Muslims, are often portrayed negatively or in a one-dimensional way in the media, which can shape public perceptions and influence educational policies (Memon & Chanicka, 2022). Additionally, we discussed the diverse educational structures in Ontario, including publicly funded Catholic schools and private faith-based institutions. This week’s study reinforced the importance of fostering inclusive educational environments that embrace religious diversity, ensuring that religious identities are respected and integrated into the media and educational systems. It encouraged me to reflect on how I can contribute to creating more culturally responsive and inclusive spaces in education.

References

Willis, A. S. (2021). The need for dialogic reciprocal anti-discrimination practice and policy in faith-based schools. Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2021.1995702

Memon, N. A., & Chanicka, J. (2022). When religion intersects equity and inclusion: Muslim educator affective responses in Ontario public schools. Pedagogy, Culture & Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681366.2022.2063365