(BALTIMORE, Md., 7/17/2023) – The Maryland office of CAIR, America’s leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and the Afghan American Foundation recently held a cultural competency training on engaging with Afghan communities for school resource officers in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
The virtual event, featuring guest presenter Freshta Taeb, was coordinated following a series of incidents reported to CAIR involving Muslim youth who have been allegedly bullied and assaulted within the school system. Dozens of officers who participated have had or may in the future have contact with recently settled students who have language or cultural barriers and may be unfamiliar with navigating the public school landscape in the United States.
SEE: CAIR Calls on Maryland School District to Probe Racist Bullying of Afghan Refugee Students
“Newly arrived Afghan students continue to confront numerous challenges while adjusting to the new language and culture in the United States, alongside dealing with bullying and Islamophobia,” said CAIR National Board member Spojmie Nasiri, who helped open the program with welcoming remarks. “Tackling issues like bullying, xenophobia, and Islamophobia, particularly pertaining to these students, is critical. We appreciate the dedication of PGCPD school resource officers in attending cultural training and their cooperation with CAIR to address these matters.”
“We are grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with CAIR in offering this trauma informed training,” said Mustafa Babak, Executive Director of Afghan-American Foundation. “This opportunity allows us to help foster a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by resettled Afghans. By equipping officers with knowledge and skills to provide compassionate support, bridge cultural gaps, and build safer communities, we are collectively playing a vital role in supporting resettled Afghans as they rebuild their lives, foster meaningful relationships in their communities. and become cherished members of our communities.”
CAIR’s Maryland office is coordinating similar trainings for educators and the law enforcement community in our counties across the state particularly where incidents related to an unsafe school climate have been reported.
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.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062