When hate tries to divide and isolate us, we must organize. When it wants to silence us, we must speak louder.
To the students to whom the words on their school wall were directed: These words do not define you. To the families struggling to navigate these challenging times: You are not alone. And to those who believe intimidation will make us retreat or disappear: Know this — you will not succeed.
We will stand up for our students and families. And we will continue to reject fear and build communities rooted in dignity, justice and hope.
(Zainab Chaudry is Maryland director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service.)