Concordia University in Montreal, Canada was evacuated on March 1st, 2017 due to a bomb threat against Muslim students. A letter from the so-called organization of “C4” – the Council of Conservative Citizens of Canada – sent a letter to several news media outlets, such as the Montreal Gazette. The letter stated that explosives would be set off between the 1st and 3rd of March of the H and EV buildings, its primary goal to injure Muslim students. The C4 group aims to have Concordia University ban any Islam-related activities, which is asserted that they will continue setting off bombs every day of the time frame until the University takes this discriminatory action. The letter also mentions the root of their complaint, that “Friday prayers, men washing their feet in sinks and men walking in bare feet or flip-flops and often anti-Christian and anti-Jewish speeches” need to be ceased at once, as their previously filed complaint did not result in any necessary action from the Concordia Student Union. The letter was also sent to McGill University, and the Montreal Police are conducting further investigation of the issue. It is vital to note that the letter clearly states “Now that President Trump is in office south of the border, things have changed…”.
The C4, in my personal perception, must be listed as an official terrorist group for their extreme acts against Muslims. They are a group that is incapable of positive conflict management and ethical behavior. There is a notable cultural difference among Muslims and non-Muslims, however this is not a proactive method of creating change. John Krotter’s eight-step plan in my opinion, will most definitely help create change for Concordia University. Neglecting the issue is definitely not aiding the situation, the best approach to creating change is to be respectful and ethical on both sides of the conflict for correct conflict resolution.
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References:
Riga, Andy. “Concordia’s Hall, EV, GM Buildings Evacuated Because of Bomb
Threats against Muslims.” Montreal Gazette. Montreal Gazette, 01 Mar.
- Web. 02 Mar. 2017. <http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-
news/montreal-police-investigate-bomb-threats-at-concordia-university>.