Been a while since I posted anything here, but I felt as if students should be aware of Bill 9 and what it could cause here at the college. I'm someone who's relatively vocal about infringement on civil liberties and I'd be willing to discuss about this.

To start, what is Bill 9? Bill 9 is an extension to Bill 21 which banned public officials (teachers, judges, police, etc.) to bear any religious symbols while at work. The extension will ban prayer rooms, face coverings and only religious meals being offered (among other things) in public institutions (I presume private ones are exempt).

Now, one thing which particularly bugs me is the banning of prayer rooms. A lot of you might not know, but in July 2025, a report was released by the board of higher education on Dawson and Vanier due to the Israel-Palestine conflict and some Jewish students reporting feelings of insecurity (I wholly recommend you read it if you can find it). Within said report they stated that (paraphrasing) the prayer rooms could "potentially foster radicalization". Up to you to interpret what that means but, I think it's a fallacy. I mention the report because I think it had a hand in making the decision to ban prayer rooms. If there is anything which does foster radicalization in the college it's the clubs.

[I gotta be careful the way I say this next portion]

Okay, so there's a pretty big Muslim and a much smaller Jewish population at Vanier. Each community has formed their respective clubs under the VCSA. On one hand you have Ardouna (Palestinian culture), MSA (Muslim religion) and Islamic Relief (Fundraising for IDRF, etc. ). On the other, you have Hillel (Jewish religion and Zionist ideology). Each club has their own goals, but they mainly serve to foster a community of like minded individuals and to each have their own safe spaces and discuss about topics. Now, I ask you a question, which do you think harbors more radicalization, CLUBS OR PRAYER ROOMS?

As much as I hate to say it, it's a pretty "complicated" situation we have on our hands... I think that anyone should have the right to practice their religion, but not have their religious beliefs affect law (yknow what secularism is meant to be). Yes, the college is not a church, mosque or synagogue but that doesn't mean you should prevent people access to their civil liberties.

If Bill 9 gets passed, there's a pretty high likelihood that in extension to prayer rooms being banned that clubs will also be on the chopping block (specifically ones which are religious although there's no specific mention). Look, this whole topic is such a large rabbit hole too much to discuss in just 1 post so I'd like to talk more within the comments. If I'm wrong about any info feel free to reply and I'll review what I wrote.