A school in Canada designated its cafeteria as a “no food space” to support fasting Muslim students during Ramadan — sparking a firestorm online as critics questioned the decree’s fairness.
The Fairview School in Calgary, Alberta shot into the spotlight after reports emerged of the controversial policy that created food-free zones during select hours to accommodate students during the holy month.
The cafeteria was labeled a “no food space” during the first half of the lunch hour for fourth through sixth graders. It remains a “no food space” for the older students’ entire lunch hour, according to a leaked email seen by the Calgary Herald.
On rainy days, the school’s learning commons operates as the set no food space for all students, the email said.
“Ramadan is a month of reflection, prayer, generosity and community. We extend our warm wishes to all who are observing, and remain committed to ensuring our school is a supportive and respectful environment,” the Fairview School wrote in the email.
The mandate will last through March 19, the last day of Ramadan.
Critics skewered the school in social media comments, accusing it of making non-Muslim students “hide” during mealtimes.
“I would be losing my sh-t if my kids went there,” one user wrote on X.
“Well, that is nuts. Oh, my kid is not allowed to eat at your school? Different school then,” another added.
“Whoever made that decision should be fired,” declared another commenter.
It’s not immediately clear if the Fairview School is offering other religious accommodations, like meatless Fridays for Catholics celebrating Lent.
Calgary Board of Education addressed the drama after the email leaked online, though it only referred to Fairview School as “the school in the social media post.”
It explained that the school in question “always has different grades eating in different spaces in the building” — not just the food-free lunch room.
“During special cultural and religious observances, schools are able to make accommodations to support students, both in and out of classroom activities. This could include accommodations when students are fasting during Ramadan,” the CBE explained.
The board said that there is no blanket application of religious observance accommodations at each school. Rather, they structure the allowances based on the school’s size and number of students participating in the religious observance — which, in the Fairview School, happened to be Ramadan fasting.
A CBE spokesperson told the outlet that accommodations were guided by the Administrative Regulations 3067, a religious freedom act approved in 2005 seeking to “reflect the diverse nature and heritage of society in Alberta.”
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