The Price of Being Muslim in Public School

Here is some of the issues I get to work on at CAIR. An innocent presentation on Eid, with absolutely no religious doctrine discussed creates a "hell-bent" band of right wing fanatic parents, read here at InFocus, my quote below:

Affad Shaikh, CAIR-LA Civil Rights Coordinator, said that although the
misunderstanding around Kanan’s presentation was unfortunate, it was not unique
or uncommon. Shaikh’s organization recorded 16 school-related cases reported in
2006, but Shaikh said the number was low because “only the worst of the
worst get called in.”

Overall, CAIR processed 2,467 civil rights complaints during 2006,
constituting a 25-percent increase from the year before. In schools, it’s
becoming increasingly common for a student to be harassed or discriminated
against, just because he or she is Muslim, Shaikh said.

...and...

Upon Kanan’s request for resolution of the matter, Shaikh sent a letter to the
school principal on Feb. 18 seeking clarification on how a “line was crossed
separating culture and religion” with Kanan’s presentation and whether
school board’s policies were being “applied selectively toward Muslims and
Islam.”

...and...

Second-grade parent Jamie Osorio, saw no reason for concern in this particular
situation, “I don’t think that someone …saying this is how we do things is going
to trump anything I can teach my kids.”

Ana Dhar, another Muslim parent on campus, said: “It’s a learning experience for everyone. As Muslims we need to be more active and we need to voice our concerns…instead we just take everything and we don’t say anything.”

Shaikh encouraged people from the community to report incidents and explained that many people are unaware that something can be done to reconcile their situations. He said some brush off discrimination as “the price of being Muslims today,” while others “do not want to further marginalize themselves…by taking a stance.” “The goal is to empower the students and the parents to take negative situations and turn them into positive ones,” Shaikh said.

There are many kids who do experience religious bullying being called a "terrorist" and "sand-@###r" along with girls who wear the Hijab (headscarve) made fun of, teased, having their scarves tugged at.

I was at a MAHSC (Muslim American Homeland Security Congress) Townhall with Sheriff Baca from Los Angeles Sheriff Department, hosted by the Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley (in Los Angeles county) today, a student in 8th grade stood up and told the Sheriff that she doesn't feel safe going to school because kid's call her "terrorist" and make fun of her hijab (headscarves). She asked the Sheriff what he could do to help her.

This behavior is atrocious. It is not acceptable at any school campus. All children deserve a safe and inclusive environment, they should not be picked on because of their race, gender (sexual orientation), the music they listen to, the way they dress, economics, physical appearance or RELIGION.

Please stop the hate by reaching out and making it clear that this is UNACCEPTABLE. CAIR's job is to empower the parents and students, if that fails, then CAIR can step in to provide the necessary support. Lets help foster a sense of belonging for our kids, please pick up your phone an call the nearest CAIR office- CAIR Los Angeles- 714-776-1847

For the sake of our future, please educate, encourage and stop the vicimization by empowering our community, now its your responsibility knowing this. CALL ME FOR ADVICE.