The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed Dorchester County Public Schools’ apology, response and actions in support of a 12-year-old Muslim student in Cambridge, Maryland, who earlier this year reportedly endured harassment, assaults and faith-based bullying during which her hijab, or Islamic headscarf, was allegedly forcibly removed at least twice.
In a statement to CAIR, the child’s parent said, “We are grateful for the accommodations provided for [my child], which have contributed to her academic success and helped her regain a sense of safety at school.”
“CAIR would like to acknowledge Dr. Jymil Thompson and DCPS staff’s apology and thank them for the measures they’ve implemented to provide a safe learning environment for this child,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “These measures offer peace of mind for the family and reflect a commitment to students’ well-being.”
In July, CAIR welcomed news that the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights had launched an official investigation following a complaint CAIR filed on the student and family’s behalf.
SEE: Civil Rights complaint filed after attack on 12-year-old Muslim teen in Cambridge
Washington, D.C., based CAIR offers an Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, 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 Kim Syuardi, ksyuardi@cair.com, 202-850-9293