TORONTO, September 8, 2016 –Some Greater Toronto Area school boards have allowed students to be exempted from classes on the basis of religious beliefs. This exemption for some boards is done on a case-by-case basis and only as a last resort if the school cannot come to a compromise with parents.

This issue has now been raised at one of Canada’s largest school boards as a result of one group of parents seeking a full exemption for their children from music class due to religious beliefs.

Professor John Ippolito  in the Faculty of Education is available for media interviews to discuss how schools can accommodate families’ requests and create a sustained healthy relationship between parents and faculty. Professor Ippolito has done extensive research in best practices for better relationships between mainstream education and linguistic minority families.

York University is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our 52,000 students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 24 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide.

Media Contact:
Anjum Nayyar, York University Media Relations 416 736 2100 ext. 44543; anayyar@yorku.ca
Janice Walls, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22101;  wallsj@yorku.ca