(HARTFORD, CT, 3/21/2025) – The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today acknowledged the hate crime charge for the alleged violent assault on two Muslim students in Waterbury, Connecticut, reportedly targeted because of their Arab heritage and Islamic faith.
Video: CAIR-CT Speaks Out Against Assaults on 2 Muslim Students for Wearing Hijab
[NOTE: CAIR’s Washington, D.C., headquarters recently released a national civil rights report documenting a continued rise in Islamophobic incidents across the country, including attacks on Muslim students.]
Two 7th grade twin sisters who wear the hijab were allegedly physically assaulted by fellow students at Michael Wallace Middle School on March 3. The attack resulted in injuries severe enough to require treatment at a hospital. The parents of the victims sought CAIR’s assistance because the felt that they were not receiving sufficient communication from the school regarding disciplinary actions against the perpetrators or a clear plan to ensure their daughters’ safety.
CAIR-CT sent a formal complaint to Waterbury Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darren Schwartz, demanding an immediate and thorough investigation, compliance with Connecticut’s anti-bullying laws, and a meeting with school officials to ensure that the students are protected.
A news release issued by the City of Waterbury stated in part:
“Investigators determined that the altercation was motivated by religion and/or ethnicity, meeting the legal definition of a hate crime. The Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the findings and confirmed this classification.
“As a result, on March 21, 2025, a 12-year-old female student was charged with Intimidation Based on Bigotry and Bias in the First and Second Degree through a court-issued summons to Waterbury Juvenile Court. As noted in a previous release, another female student was referred to a youth diversionary program as an alternative to arrest, based on her involvement in the incident.
“Additionally, the City of Waterbury Department of Education has verified an incident of bullying, taken disciplinary action, and implemented enhanced school safety measures in response to the incident.”
“This is a tragedy for everyone involved. While we acknowledge the appropriateness of hate crime charges in this disturbing case the girls who were attacked have undergone a severe trauma that will take a long time to recover from. We’re also concerned about the two girls that instigated this attack. To have hate at such a young age for another student is awful. We vehemently disagree with Waterbury’s assessment that this was an isolated case. We’ve heard from other parents of Muslim students that their kids have been harassed because of their religion,” said Farhan Memon, Chair of CAIR-CT. “This result should send a message that bias-motivated actions will not be tolerated in our schools.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: For more information contact Farhan Memon, Chairman, CAIR-CT 203-517-6526 (cell)