(BALTIMORE, MD, 8/1/18) - Today, the Council on American-Islamic Relations will join the Anne Arundel County branch of the NAACP, Caucus of African American Leaders, and the United Clergy of Anne Arundel County to demand that the Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ Board of Education address allegations of an alarming pattern of racism, discrimination and reports of retaliation against African-American students and employees within the school system. 

WHO: CAIR, NAACP Anne Arundel County Branch, Caucus of African-American Leaders, United Clergy of Anne Arundel County
WHAT: Press conference to demand AACPS investigate and address allegations of racism, discrimination, and racial injustice
WHEN: Wednesday, August 1st, 11 a.m.
WHERE: Wiley Bates Legacy Center, 1101 Smithville Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland
CONTACT: CAIR Director of MD Outreach Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062

CAIR is supporting demands that the Board of Education: 

• Develop a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of discrimination occurring within the school system
• Craft a strategic plan with community input prior to September 1st to address discrimination occurring in the school system 
• Provide a trained, competent and qualified HR specialist to address and investigate bias-motivated incidents and employee complaints
• Provide support and resources, including counselors and crisis teams as appropriate, to students who have endured discrimination and racial trauma within the school system
• Deliver justice to individuals who have suffered discrimination, hostile work environments and retaliation for speaking out for justice 

Among the racially motivated incidents that CAIR has condemned or called for an investigation into at AACPS are:

• an AP class essay written by a student suggesting extermination of the Black race
• a racist petition circulated by “Kool Kids Klan” - a thinly veiled reference to the KKK
• swastikas and racial slurs discovered on school property 
• nooses hung on school property 
  
  

SEE: Racial slurs found at Chesapeake High School

SEE: Anne Arundel County student's essay tackling racism sparks controversy

Earlier this year, CAIR welcomed Maryland lawmakers’ move to strengthen the state’s hate crime laws after a loophole led to the acquittal of a suspect accused of hanging a noose at Crofton Middle School. 

In a controversial move, the judge had ruled that hate crime statues in Maryland were too vague.

SEE: CAIR Welcomes Maryland Lawmakers’ Move to Strengthen State’s Hate Crime Laws

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

END 

CONTACT: CAIR Director of Maryland Outreach Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, zchaudry@cair.com