(ST. LOUIS, MO, 12/8/2021) – The Missouri chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Missouri), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, today on Kirkwood School District in Kirkwood, Mo., to do a thorough and “independent and transparent” investigation of alleged racist discrimination and assault targeting a Muslim of African heritage.
A Nipher Middle School teacher allegedly grabbed the Muslim 6th grader, threw him out of class and then reportedly threw the student’s backpack over him in the hallway. Before taking that action, the teacher reportedly said, “I can’t F…ing do this.” The student’s father registered a complaint about the incident to the principal, but the school did not resolve the case.
In October, while returning home on the school bus. The Muslim student was reportedly assaulted by a 7th grader who started making fun of him, calling him names, including “porch monkey.” Again, the school principal reportedly did not take any disciplining measures.
Yesterday, an 8th grader allegedly assaulted the Muslim student, again calling him a “porch monkey.” The Muslim student sought medical treatment for a swollen lip.
Another student reportedly videoed the part of the incident when the Muslim student was defending himself and falsely reported that he was the one who started the fight. Fortunately, there was an adult nearby who protected the Muslim student and walked him home.
The family reports that the same students who were harassing their child made a false report against him, resulting in a 10-day suspension.
“We call on Kirkwood School District officials to immediately launch an independent and transparent investigation of the incidents of alleged racist harassment and assault targeting the Muslim student,” said CAIR-Missouri Associate Executive Director Marwan Hameed. “Students of all backgrounds must be provided a safe and welcoming learning environment.”
He noted that many Muslim students nationwide face bullying and discrimination based on their faith and ethnicity.
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CAIR offers a booklet, called “An Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” designed to help school officials provide a positive learning environment for Muslim students.
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Missouri Associate Executive Director Marwan Hameed, executive.director@cair-mo.org, 314-722-6116; CAIR-Missouri Board Chair Yasir Ali, Yasir.ali@cair-mo.org, 314-722-6116; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com