The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a hate crime charge brought against a man who allegedly assaulted two Muslim women attendees at the Brooklyn Law School graduation ceremony.
At the May 14 Brooklyn Law School graduation ceremony, multiple graduates who held Palestinian Flags, and signs relaying Pro-Palestine content were reportedly jeered, cursed and spat at, told to “go back home,” and were called terrorists.
In one incident, two young Muslim women in the audience who wear hijab (Islamic headscarf) were reportedly subjected to verbal harassment and were hit in the back of their heads with a pamphlet. Police were called, and although not initially arrested, the alleged assailant was allegedly charged with 2nd-degree harassment and a hate crime this past weekend.
According to reports, at no point did Brooklyn Law School administration make an effort to support the safety and protected free speech activity of their students and their families. To date, no public statement has been released by the school condemning the reported verbal and physical attacks, despite student requests to do so.
SEE: Brooklyn Law Muslim Student Association Press Release
SEE: Videos from Brooklyn Law Graduation
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said:
“We are saddened to see an increase of hate on college campuses across America, with this case being no exception. Pro-Palestinian political viewpoints are often vilified while others who harass and even perpetrate violence on those challenging Israel’s ongoing genocide suffer little to no accountability.
“Universities owe every segment of their student body the ability to engage in political and academic discourse without intimidation, repression, and physical harm.”
She noted that there has been a rise of aggression towards pro-Palestine protestors across New York State.
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns Columbia University, NYPD Actions against Peaceful Protesters
If you have experienced discrimination or violence during an arrest at a protest, please contact CAIR-NY by filling out an incident report on our website (LINK).
CAIR-NY’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, [email protected]; Saira Amar, MPA, CAIR-NY Communications Coordinator, [email protected]