Muslim Advisory Council of Canada Sends Open Letter Demanding Accountability After Discriminatory Actions Against "Palestine" Supporter at Toronto Raptors Home Opener

- Toronto Raptors and Scotiabank Arena Representatives
  - President of the Toronto Raptors, Masai Ujiri
  - CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Keith Pelley

- Government :
  - Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow
  - Provincial Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, Neil Lumsden
  - Federal Minister of Sport, Carla Qualtrough
  - Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Sport, Adam van Koeverden

Subject: Call for Accountability and Action Regarding Incident at Toronto Raptors Game

We are deeply concerned by reports of a recent incident at the Toronto Raptors Home Opener on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, where an attendee was asked to remove their cap displaying the word “Palestine” on it and was subsequently escorted out from the venue by security. The individual was reportedly informed that the arena’s policies prohibit "political clothing," raising serious concerns about discrimination and the suppression of peaceful expressions of identity. Journalist Shireen Ahmed highlighted this ban last year, bringing attention to the ongoing challenges around freedom of expression and inclusivity in public spaces. 

Public venues like Scotiabank Arena should foster an environment where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, and free to express their identity without fear of exclusion. This incident contradicts the principles of diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect that Canadian institutions, including Scotiabank Arena and the Toronto Raptors, strive to uphold.

Call to Action

To address this matter effectively and ensure such incidents do not recur, we respectfully call for the following actions:

1. Public Apology: Issue a formal apology to the individual involved, acknowledging the impact of this incident on the person and the wider community. An apology is essential to restoring trust and affirming a commitment to inclusivity.

2. Transparent Review and Policy Update: Conduct a comprehensive review of the incident and update policies regarding attire and expressions within the arena. This review should ensure that policies do not inadvertently discriminate against any cultural or ethnic identities and should be transparently communicated to reassure the public of a fair process.

3. Community Engagement: Engage directly with affected communities to rebuild trust and foster a welcoming environment for all fans. Publicly affirm that all individuals, regardless of background, are welcome and valued at Scotiabank Arena.

These actions are necessary to promote inclusivity and reinforce Canada’s values of diversity and mutual respect within public spaces. We stand ready to support you in creating an environment where all individuals feel respected and valued. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and we look forward to your response and positive action.

Sincerely, The Muslim Advisory Council of Canada