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Legislature gives Thurber students standing ovation for standing up to racism

May 29, 2017 | 5:34 PM

Two Red Deer students who stood up against racism at their school received a standing ovation in the Alberta Legislature on Monday.

Thomas Gower and Ursella Khan, both Grade 11 students at Lindsay Thurber high, were honoured for their actions during last week’s anti-immigration protest at the school.

They along with Principal Dan Lower, and Red Deer Public Schools Board Chair Bev Manning and Superintendent Stu Henry were introduced by Education Minister David Eggen prior to the start of Monday’s question period.

After hearing their story, MLAs stood to give them a rousing round of applause:

 

During last Tuesday’s protest, Khan stood up for her Muslim religion during a confrontation with protesters that broke out while she was speaking with reporters.

Gower, meantime, stood outside the front of the school during the protest, showing a sign that read “No More Hate, No More Fear, Refugees are Welcome Here.”

 

Khan and Gower also received plaques from Eggen, thanking them for their actions.

The protest last Tuesday was sparked by speculation on social media that four Syrian students involved in a fight at the school received a lesser punishment than other students who were involved. School officials say all eight students received the same five-day suspension.