Is the niqāb a symbol of religious expression or a tool of oppression? Farzana Hassan, outspoken and controversial commentator on Islam and Muslim issues, believes that the face-covering veil traditionally worn by Islamic women represents the latter.

A committed Muslim, women's rights activist, author of Islam Women and the Challenges of Today and past president of the Muslim Canadian Congress, Hassan regularly criticizes fundamentalism and extremism in her religion. As she has said, "fighting Islamic extremism and opposing terrorism is a crucial way of countering the rising tide of Islamophobia."

Don't miss our annual UBC - Laurier Institution Multiculturalism Lecture and what is sure to be a fascinating, thought-provoking discussion by a progressive voice in Canadian Islam.

The Chan Centre is proud to present the UBC - Laurier Institution Multiculturalism Lectures, which are signature events hosted by The Laurier Institution in partnership with UBC Continuing Studies and CBC Radio One. Since 2004, these annual lectures have featured guest speakers who are leading thinkers and visionaries in the field of multiculturalism.

Click here for an interview with Farzana Hassan on banning the burka.