Muslim Students at Western University Want Their Chaplain Back

Aarij Anwer was appointed as the first Muslim chaplain at Western in 2021, following the London Family terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 4 Muslims and left a child orphaned and injured. According to Western University, “His appointment addressed a growing need for specialized support for Muslim students.”

Sheikh Aarij holds a Bachelor of Computer Science (Waterloo), a Bachelor of Education (Toronto), and a Bachelor of Islamic Sciences in Islamic Jurisprudence (Al-Madinah). His academic background allows him to be a well-rounded fit for the position. Those who know Aarij Anwer know him to be optimistic, fair, supportive, and accommodating beyond belief.

Over the past few weeks, with the escalation of violence in Palestine, Sheikh Aarij has prioritized addressing the growing list of complaints of Islamophobia on campus and extending his support to community members. Further, with the ongoing outpour of news from the London Family murder trial, Aarij Anwer has been essential in dealing with distress and trauma experienced by students on campus.

The timing of his dismissal speaks volumes to the Muslim community here in London. At a time where the support and guidance of our chaplain is needed more than ever, his absence will leave significant distress.

In an email addressed to Western students regarding support following escalations in Gaza and Israel, Florentine Strzelczyk and Opiyo Oloya stated that “there will be differing views on what is unfolding. Universities are the very places where these views can be freely shared and, just as importantly, where diversity is honored and valued.” The comments made by Aarij Anwer on X, formerly known as Twitter, were respectful in nature and shared his clarifications regarding a claim about Canadian Muslims attending a vigil. His dismissal is not in accordance with the statement made by Oloya and Strzelczyk.

Further, the email from Western mentioned that “well-established lines with the Muslim Students’ Association” were to be utilized during this time. Neither the concerns regarding Aarij Anwer, nor the decision to dismiss him, were consulted with the leadership of the MSA, exemplifying a lack of concern that the aftermath of this would have on our members.

We call for the instant reinstatement of Aarij Anwer as the Muslim Chaplain at Western University and for the institution to uphold promised values of safety, inclusion, and openness to diverse opinions.

Signed,

Muslim Students’ Association at Western University

Student Testimonial:

People say that your true colors show at the lowest points. Sheikh Aarij’s selflessness and love for students really showed last week while | was dealing with an issue that started to get out of control. He made sure to sit me down in a room with just himself and made sure that I am doing okay. He then sat with me in a 3 hour meeting, defending me, making me feel safe, making sure that my voice was being heard at every moment. He got another person to pick up his children to make sure that he wouldn’t leave me in the meeting, showing his care for the Muslim students here at Western.

After a long, stressful day, he took me to get dinner on his tab, constantly reassuring me that he would be there every step of the way with me. The next day he was fired. I reached out to him as I was just enjoying a meal with him less than 24 hours beforehand, feeling a sense of comfort that I hadn’t felt all week, and the text that he sent back was him apologizing, for the fact that he couldn’t be there to help me anymore.

~ third-year student

To sign the petition to bring back Aarij Anwer, click here

To send an email to the university, click here