The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, was joined yesterday by leaders from the Maryland Governor’s Office on Community Initiatives (GOCI), Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR), Jewish Voice for Peace Baltimore (JVP-Baltimore) and NAACP Maryland State Conference, as well as representatives from Muslim and Sikh communities, at a news conference at CAIR’s office in Baltimore for the annual declaration of October as “Statewide Bullying Prevention Month.”
The statewide initiative is part of a month-long national campaign established to raise awareness about the prevalence and harms of bullying, the importance of reporting incidents, and the need to promote respect and inclusion in educational institutions.
SEE: Proclamation Presentation
In her remarks, CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said in part:
“Our office sees the impact of [bullying] all too frequently, and it affects our communities as a whole. According to CAIR’s research, over 50 percent of American Muslim youth report being bullied and harassed in schools because of their faith. We know these numbers are underreported for a variety of reasons.
It’s our collective responsibility to take decisive action and build a community where every student feels safe and included.
Our goal is not just to raise awareness but to inspire action. That’s why we’re calling on school systems across the state to take the time this month to focus on raising awareness, de-stigmatizing, providing resources, and promoting educational programs that empower students to stand against bullying. Our mission is to ensure that every student can thrive in a supportive environment.”
“We stand united against bullying, not just as a community, but as advocates for justice, kindness and respect,” said CAIR’s Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kimberly Syuardi. “Let’s transform silence into action, support and strength, and ensure every voice is heard and every person is valued.”
CAIR thanks GOCI, MCCR and its partners for their dedication and commitment to this cause, and urges community members to report any bullying incidents to school administrators and CAIR’s Maryland office at [email protected].
Earlier this week, CAIR urged all institutions of higher education and K-12 schools to protect anti-genocide students during National Bullying Prevention Month and throughout the school year.
CAIR offers a guide for Muslim students and families that contains practical advice for both students and families. It also references work conducted by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding.
SEE: CAIR’s Guide Against Bullying and Bias in Schools: Practical Steps for Youth and Their Families
Recently, CAIR testified before the Maryland State Department of Education urging action to address the rise in Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian bigotry in public schools.
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.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062; CAIR Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kim Syuardi, [email protected]