Civil Rights Group Advises Observant Muslim Families to Express Dietary Preferences to BCPS, MCPS School Cafeteria Managers, Urges Other School Systems to Adopt Similar Policies
(BALTIMORE, MD, 8/28/2023) – The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed news of confirmed halal meal accommodations in Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) for Muslim students who observe Islamic dietary guidelines.
CAIR is encouraging families and students who wish to secure these meals to notify their teacher and school’s cafeteria manager of their preference at the start of the 2023-24 academic year.
[NOTE: Halal, an Arabic term meaning “permissible,” refers to food that adheres to Islamic dietary laws. Muslims observing these laws consume halal food, which involves specific guidelines regarding the sourcing, preparation, and handling of ingredients. Halal meals exclude pork and its by-products, alcohol, and any food items that contain ingredients derived from animals not slaughtered according to Islamic requirements.]
“By offering halal meal options, school systems enable observant students to uphold their beliefs while participating fully in school activities, including lunchtime,” said CAIR’s Maryland director Zainab Chaudry. “We welcome these developments as the availability of halal meals in public schools not only meets the dietary needs of Muslim students but also promotes a sense of belonging and inclusion. It contributes to creating an educational environment where students can thrive without compromising their religious values.”
She noted that CAIR offers a booklet, called “An Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” designed to help school officials provide a positive learning environment for Muslim students.
“As a former public school student, I know just how difficult it is to consistently have pizza for lunch because you have no other options,” said CAIR’s Legislative Intern Dua Hussain. “Working on halal meals, however, has given me so much hope because we’re going to be seeing more options for these students’ meals.”
Earlier this year, the civil rights group developed a halal meals proposal for school systems to consider, and has been in touch with the Department of Food and Nutritional Services for various school systems over the summer to ensure this accommodation. Considerations included nutrition guidelines, demand, accessibility, and diversified menu options that include meat items, which is still being explored.
CAIR encourages other school districts and educational institutions across the state, where a demand exists, to also offer halal meal options. This measure enriches the overall school experience, building confidence and fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect among students of different faiths and backgrounds.
CAIR encourages other school districts and educational institutions across the state in which a demand exists to also offer halal meal options. This measure enriches the overall school experience, building confidence and fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect among students of different faiths and backgrounds.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR remains committed to working to ensure that the rights and needs of Muslim students are met, and fostering an educational environment that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and religious freedom.
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, 410-971-6062, zchaudry@cair.com