The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, denounces Lincoln Park High School’s decision to discontinue enrollment in its Arabic language program for incoming students beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
CAIR-Chicago Executive Director, Ahmed Rehab said:
“We support the 1,600+ local residents who petitioned to keep the Arabic program at Lincoln Park High School. It is unfortunate that access to such an important and global language is being cut at a time when the world is more wired, especially as U.S. competitors are investing more in educational opportunities that give them a global edge. I hope the decision to cut the program is immediately reversed.”
The decision to end the school’s 36-year-old Arabic language program has generated widespread concern among students, parents, alumni, and community members. Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world and serves as a critical language for international business, diplomacy, education, and cultural exchange. Offering Arabic language instruction fosters cross-cultural understanding, strengthens inclusivity, and equips students with valuable skills in an increasingly globalized society.
The decision is particularly concerning at a time when state leaders are working to expand Arabic language education across Illinois. Just recently, State Senator Graciela Guzmán (IL 20th District) successfully advanced a resolution encouraging the exploration of Arabic as a foreign language option in Illinois schools.
Senator Guzmán, in a statement shared with CAIR-Chicago, said, “Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, prominent in religion, business and cultural contexts across the globe. Perhaps more importantly, thousands of families in Illinois and Chicago speak Arabic. These students deserve the opportunity to develop and formalize their heritage language in our public schools and students from other backgrounds would benefit greatly from exposure to the language. Our communities must support foreign language programs for their role in creating understanding and giving our youth important new perspectives.”
Community members have also voiced strong opposition to the program’s elimination. Fadi, an LPHS parent impacted by the decision, stated:
“I strongly support keeping enrollment open for the Arabic program, which has been part of the school since 1990. Low enrollment does not necessarily mean low interest; it reflects limited awareness that the program is available. This is about preserving the diversity and inclusivity that Chicago is known for. Eliminating Arabic for incoming freshmen would reduce educational opportunities and language diversity at LPHS. I respectfully urge the administration to reconsider and keep this important program available for future students.”
CAIR-Chicago warns that eliminating Arabic language instruction at one Chicago Public School could set a troubling precedent for other schools across the district and state. The organization is urging community members, parents, educators, and advocates to speak out in support of maintaining the program.
Community members can take action by:
- Signing the petition to preserve the Arabic language program: bit.ly/lphspetition
- Attending the upcoming school board meeting on Wednesday, June 10th, at 10:30 AM, at CPS Loop Office 42 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60602. Learn more: bit.ly/speakatcps
- Report any bias incident, threat, or hate crime via www.cairchicago.org/report-discrimination
CAIR-Chicago’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.
CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; Hafsa Haider, Communications Director of CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com