On the 26th of October, Western University dismissed our Muslim Chaplain over comments made on X, formerly known as Twitter.

We, the members of the student community Western University, are greatly disappointed and shocked by the rash dismissal of our Muslim chaplain, Aarij Anwer, during a time of great need.

Aarij Anwer was appointed as the 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.”

Over the past few weeks, with the escalation of violence in Palestine, Sheikh Aarij has efficiently prioritized addressing the growing list of complaints of Islamophobia on campus and extending his support to community members. 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. Aarij Anwer's words of "debunking" myths seems to follow much more "peaceful and respectful" rhetoric than the original tweet, and is information that is backed by multiple sources, such as the White House itself and CNN.

Further, the email from Western mentioned that “well-established lines with the Muslim Students’ Association” were to be utilized during this time. The concerns regarding Aarij Anwer, nor the decision to dismiss him, were not consulted with the leadership of the MSA, exemplifying a lack of concern that the aftermath of this would have on our members.

Protecting the rights of one community cannot be at the expense of another and this action can be deemed as being inequitable, unethical and Islamophobic if not conducted with due process by an independent and impartial committee.

We demand that Western immediately reinstate the appointment of our Muslim Chaplain, Aarij Anwer, especially considering his vast services over the last two years and the continued support for students at a time of need.