Retracted letter: “Don’t use an instrument of oppression as a symbol of diversity and inclusion”

Good afternoon,
I do not understand why this article has been retracted. Dr Emil makes an excellent point, a point which has been lost in the valid effort to represent inclusion and diversity. While respecting everyone's right to dress as they choose, and to observe the spirituality of their choice, there are misogynist/misanthropic back-stories to many of our current customs.

It is my opinion that it's quite apropos for Dr Emil to remind us of the "backstory" from which the wearing of the hijab (or the niqab or the burka) has evolved. I was interested to learn of the concerns raised by several Muslim colleagues across the country to the image published (which I have not yet seen), and their reflections on their personal experiences. The letter was, I felt, carefully worded, to the point without belabouring it and non-threatening.
If we can't express differing opinions in our own scientific journal, and debate issues that concern all of us, then where can we do so?
Respectfully,
Mary E Machamer, MD

To the Editor:

I am dismayed and disgusted by your craven cowardice in bowing to the demands of an organized group and retracting Dr. Emil's letter. It is actually rather unbelievable that you would do this. What on earth are you thinking? Very well, perhaps your headline was ham-fisted. We'll never know because we can't read the letter you ran it over.

The statement attributed by CTV to Tabassum Wyne, executive director of the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada, who expressed concerns about "having anyone on the internet read the letter in an accredited journal. . . ."'And that's why we pushed so hard to have it retracted, and we're happy with the results.'", is deeply troubling in a secular society. It is likely to aggravate Islamophobia (which refers to fear, not hate), not ameliorate it.
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The only "mistake" here is your decision to retract the letter.

Yours sincerely,
Leslie MacMillan MD, FRCPC (emeritus)

I am deeply concerned by the retraction of the letter referenced in the title. The medical profession is full of fraught issues and ethical dilemmas; we must be able to respectfully discuss these complicated issues. There aren’t always right and wrong answers, but we can, in good faith, discuss these issues to a reasonable degree. I strongly disagree that the article was islamophobic. I worry how similar practices of retracting criticism of religious or cultural dogmas might affect public health. Many examples come readily to mind. I believe that retraction should result when articles published have major flaws, fraud, or if they incite violence. In this case, the case made by the author is intended to protect Muslim girls from repressive standards. It is not meant to cause any discrimination towards Muslims. However, the author may be wrong. We need to be able to discuss the author’s position and criticise it. That is not possible if it is retracted. Our society, the medical profession included, has many difficult conversations to have. I hope that the CMAJ will reconsider the retraction of the article, and provide opportunities for dissenting opinions to be published.

You are cowards to retract a letter expressing a valid opinion based on real world experience.

I am deeply shocked and disappointed in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. An important organization such as yours should be fact-checking before allowing someone to publish content that promotes hatred.
Women from Christian, Jewish & other religious beliefs do cover their heads. The concept of modesty & the rules of modesty is well-known in their religion.
I feel Muslim women were targeted through your medical journal. This is discriminatory and fuels hatred. If a girl or woman chooses to wear a hijab that is nobody's business but her own. I sincerely hope the Journal will improve their processes and provide sensitivity training to their editorial staff.

I agree with the retracted letter. Your "wokeness" is evident and not appreciated by myself as a member of the CMA. I believe the letter is an honest opinion and is not trying to discriminate against anyone. Apparently the CMAJ does not believe in freedom of speech.

David Collins MD

I am in favour of free speech. Frequently opinions offend some people. That is the blessing and risk of freedom of opinion. I am sick of apologies from our leaders.