The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is calling on all educational institutions statewide to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for their diverse student bodies and use thoughtful and balanced messaging surrounding the anniversary of the 10/7 attack in Israel and the start of the genocide in Gaza.
In a message to schools, CAIR noted the importance of avoiding dehumanizing language and recognizing the profound emotional pain and trauma that many students of all ages from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, including Palestinians, Jews, Muslims and Arabs, have experienced over the past year. The ongoing violence in the region has affected countless lives, with students having unprecedented and often unfettered access at their fingertips to the suffering and bloodshed.
“Schools, colleges and universities must remain safe and inclusive environments where students can critically discuss issues of the day and where their educational institutions will not diminish, erase, censor or punish them,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “As we approach this challenging week, it is essential for administrators to be mindful of the grief and anguish that their students from different backgrounds may be carrying. We urge them to lead by example by ensuring that 1) any messaging and discussions at their institutions centers all impacted students, not just some, 2) that students can share their authentic perspectives and narratives regarding Israel and Palestine, and 3) that any incidents of threats, bigotry, bullying or discrimination are promptly and appropriately investigated and addressed.”
CAIR urges school administrators to consider the following actions:
1. Employ Objective Language and Messaging: if schools issue public statements about the 10/7 attack and the start of the Gaza genocide, those statements should avoid dehumanizing language and anti-Palestinian or anti-Muslim rhetoric, acknowledge all of the civilians who have been killed over the past year, and ensure that their diverse student bodies feel represented and protected.
2. Provide Support Resources: Make available culturally sensitive counseling and support services for students who may be struggling with the emotional impact of the past year.
3. Engage Families and Communities: Collaborate with diverse parents, stakeholders and community leaders to create a supportive network that addresses the needs of students and families.
CAIR’s recent civil rights data highlights a troubling trend in reports of discrimination, free speech violations, hate bias incidents and bullying, among other concerns.
From January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69 percent increase over the same period in 2023.
SEE: New CAIR Data Shows Anti-Muslim, Anti-Palestinian Hate Remain Elevated in First Half of 2024
In Maryland, CAIR documented 413 cases of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian complaints, incidents and requests for assistance statewide within the same period.
Earlier this year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints. Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
CAIR offers an updated “Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices” guide contains information on Muslim religious practices, dietary needs, as well as tips on curriculum issues and family life sex education in K-12 settings.
SEE: CAIR’s Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kim Syuardi, ksyuardi@cair.com