The Richmond News has learned that a trip to New York planned this April for art and photography students at McMath secondary has been cancelled following new restrictions to the United States.
A parent told the News the school was concerned Muslim students and staff could find travel difficult under stricter border vetting process.
As well, the parent said active protests in New York may add to safety concerns.
The ban on travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries is said to be temporary.
— Graeme Wood/Richmond News
Following the publishing of this story on Feb. 3, McMath principal Neil Kamide issued the following statement to the News:
"It is true that after careful (and sometimes difficult) deliberation, the trip to New York has been cancelled. Unfortunately we needed to make a decision now to avoid financial commitments that may not be fully refundable if we wait," said Kamide.
"The staff involved in putting this trip together have concerns (which I share) about the current climate and the potential for further protests such as the ones already taking place in metropolitan centres in the United States such as New York.
"Taking students on an international trip involves staff taking on a great deal of responsibility. Even under normal conditions, sponsoring student travel is an extremely stressful endeavour for staff. It is not, as some believe, just a holiday. It is a 24/7 role with the staff members tasked with ensuring the safety of all students under their care. As the climate in parts of the US is shifting and events and situations seem to be unfolding quickly, our staff currently feels uncomfortable in both moving forward with this trip as well as waiting to see if the situation changes (as the financial implications of waiting are great)."
