Families to file complaints against Hockey Quebec for alleged player racism – Montreal | 24CA News
A biracial teen and his mom will file a criticism towards Hockey Quebec with the province’s Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission following an incident throughout a hockey recreation final December. They consider that Hockey Quebec just isn’t doing sufficient to fight anti-Black racism towards junior gamers.
The first time the n-word was allegedly used towards 16-year-old Aiden Chase was final November.
“He thankfully didn’t hear it himself, but his teammates did and they notified the referees,” mentioned his mom Laurie Philipps. “Because the referees didn’t hear it, nothing was done about it,” she added.
A month later, it allegedly occurred once more towards the identical crew, leading to a combat on the ice involving gamers and coaches. Following that incident, an investigation was performed that resulted in an eight-game suspension for the participant who allegedly used the slur.
“The player then appealed his suspension and it was on the claim that he did not say it,” mentioned Philipps. “So Aiden was asked to be on a hearing and my attendance as well.”
During the net listening to in January, the n-word was used two extra occasions whereas a witness described the incident.
“The first time it was said, it was like nothing,” mentioned Aiden Chase.
“Nobody had said anything and then it was repeated again. That’s when my mom had decided to say something because nobody from the board said anything,” added Chase.
Following the listening to, the participant’s suspension was decreased to 5 video games. Completely unhappy with how the board dealt with the incident and the disciplinary listening to, each Chase and his mom wrote letters to Hockey Quebec hoping extra motion can be taken.
“The reply we got back was still not sufficient,” mentioned Philipps. “That’s what led us to where we are,” she added.
The Centre for Research Action on Race Relations (CRARR) will now assist Chase and his mom file a proper criticism with the Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission towards Hockey Quebec in hopes the group will acknowledge the necessity for systemic change.
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“We will outline where all the flaws are and what kind of remedies that we want,” mentioned CRARR Executive Director Fo Niemi.
“We want clear policy, mandatory training, more diversity throughout the entire organization and structure and, more importantly, revamp their complaints handling mechanisms and procedures,” added Niemi, who mentioned this isn’t an remoted incident. Several households who’ve allegedly confronted related interactions involving racial slurs have come ahead in latest months.
“Hopefully if Hockey Quebec is, shall we say, sensitive and is reasonable, we can come up with some sort of settlement,” mentioned Niemi.
For Aiden Chase, he says he hopes different households received’t must face the identical discrimination he has.
“We really want ways to support future players who might end up going through a similar thing,” mentioned Chase.
In an e mail to Global News, Hockey Quebec wouldn’t touch upon the particular case however says all board members and workers have participated in racial sensitivity coaching applied final November.
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