The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the alleged actions of a Baltimore County teacher who reportedly used social media to target Hispanic students by tagging U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and offering their names for investigation.
CAIR Maryland said such alleged behavior is “reprehensible and has no place in our educational institutions.”
According to reports, the teacher’s social media post labeled some 50 Hispanic students at Overlea High School, who were excused from class earlier in the week for a pro-immigrant action, as “illegal” or “children of undocumented immigrants” and suggested that ICE investigate them.
This incident has led to significant concern within the community, prompting students to protest within the school’s halls.
“It is absolutely unacceptable for any educator in a position of power to exploit their authority to allegedly target and intimidate students, especially those from marginalized communities,” said CAIR Maryland’s Outreach Coordinator Kimberly Syuardi.
“Schools should be safe havens for all students, regardless of their ethnicity, immigration status or background. We call on Baltimore County Public Schools to investigate and take swift and decisive action to ensure that no student has to fear discrimination or harassment from those entrusted with their education.”
CAIR said it stands in solidarity with the affected students and their families. The civil rights group is calling on Baltimore County Public Schools to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter and to implement appropriate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, and to foster an inclusive environment that schools must strive to maintain.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR remains committed to advocating for the rights of all students and ensuring that our educational institutions are places of learning, respect, and safety.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group. 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 Kimberly Syuardi, ksyuardi@cair.com, 202-850-9293