Over the past several days, the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth has received mounting concerns regarding the presentation of a 2025 YMCA Peace Medal to Rana Zaman. In response, we initiated a review led by YMCA leadership, supported by legal and governance advisors, and informed by precedence and experience of other organizations in similar circumstances. 

The review examined the information brought forward, the Peace Medal’s principles of participation, empathy, advocacy, community-building, and empowerment, and the established criteria relied on by the volunteer selection committee. This process also included meetings and consultations with YMCA board members and trustees, as well as input received from concerned community members.

As a result of this review, the YMCA has rescinded the Peace Medal presented to Ms. Zaman.

The Peace Medal recognizes individuals whose recent actions demonstrate a consistent commitment to fostering peace and strengthening community connections. Though Ms. Zaman is well known for her community work, information identified raised significant concerns about public statements made by Ms. Zaman that do not align with the expectations of the Peace Medal criteria. While the original nomination focused on her longstanding local community humanitarian work, the volunteer nominating and selection committees did not have the full scope of relevant public information available at the time of selection.

Maintaining the medal in light of this information would compromise the confidence that our community places in the Peace Medal and in the YMCA’s commitment to inclusion, respect, and bridge-building. Rescinding the medal is necessary to preserve the integrity of the program and uphold the values that guide our organization.

We recognize that this situation has caused concern, hurt and divisiveness within our community, and we apologize for this and for not upholding the standard of thoroughness expected of our Peace Medal process. As a charitable organization, the YMCA is grounded in community building. Our charitable work is embedded in the diversity of the communities we serve, and we remain committed to listening, learning, and engaging with openness and respect. We will do better. 

To ensure we learn from this moment and build trust across the communities we serve, we will undertake the following actions:

1. Strengthen the Peace Medal nomination and review processes to ensure a complete and balanced assessment of publicly available information
2. Consult directly with those who were impacted, including community partners, to reaffirm the YMCA’s commitment to belonging, mutual respect, understanding and bridge-building.

This has been a challenging period.  We apologize again and hope that the positivity of the Peace Medal and the worthy recipients for over two decades since inception will not be weakened. We appreciate the professionalism and care shown by staff, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters as we worked through this review and decision.

Our choices must always reflect our purpose: igniting the potential in people and strengthening our evolving communities. Above all, that purpose and our values guided this decision.

Brian Posavad

President and CEO
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth