At the semi-annual Ontario general meeting of the Canadian Federation of Students held in January 2006, students from across the province voted to strike a Task Force on the Needs of Muslim students at Ontario colleges and universities.
This initiative came forward in the context of access to adequate prayer space and institutional progress in meeting the needs of Muslim students being uneven across Ontario.
In addition, there have been a number of incidents on campuses in which Muslim students have been the target of intimidation and hate.
On most campuses today, there is growing concern about Islamophobia (i.e. prejudice against Muslim students and members of the broader Muslim community) and an interest in making Ontario campuses more inclusive and accommodating of Muslim students, faculty and staff.
The Task Force is comprised of a group of 10 members who have a diverse range of experiences pertaining to Muslim students and the post-secondary education system in Ontario.
Members of the Task Force will serve as panelists who will travel to campuses throughout the province to receive statements from students, staff, and faculty.
The Task Force will compile these statements into a report that will be published on March 21, 2007, the International Day to End Racism.