(MIAMI, FL, 12/9/2022) — The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights organization, today welcomed the firing of a teacher who allegedly engaged in hate speech targeting Muslim students performing prayer at school.
A video was posted to TikTok of young Muslims praying in a room at Franklin Academy in Pembroke Pines, Fla. An educator is seen coming into the room and making discriminatory remarks at the Muslim students praying, even allegedly stepping on one of their hands.
SEE: CAIR-Florida's Communications Director, Wilfredo Ruiz interviewed regarding Pembroke Pines teacher's firing after viral video shows her interrupting Muslim students while in prayer
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2022/12/09/pembroke-pines-teacher-fired-after-viral-video-shows-her-kicking-muslim-students-while-in-prayer/
Franklin Academy issued the following response to the incident:
“Earlier today, a very troubling TikTok video was shared with our leadership team. The video appears to show a teacher interrupting students during a moment of prayer. Upon receipt of the video, organizational and school leadership began immediately investigating the situation. Franklin Academy does not tolerate discriminatory behavior...”
“While we do not discuss personnel matters, we can share with you that the teacher in question is no longer a member of the Franklin Academy staff.”
CAIR-Florida's Executive Director, Imam Abdullah Jaber, said:
“It is of utmost importance that school administrators and staff know basic faith practices to serve students practicing their faith, in this case, Muslims. We will protect our children. We welcome the prompt response from the school administration.”
“For over 20 years, CAIR-Florida's Islam and Muslim Cultural Competency Trainings continue to promote beneficial conversations on Muslim student faith and practices, leading to better accommodation for thousands of students across Florida. We continue work closely with school boards to protect the rights and dignity of our students.”
Imam Abdullah noted that bullying is consistently one of the most common types of school-related complaints received at CAIR offices around the country. A 2022 poll by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) reports that 48% of Muslim families with school-age children reported having a child who faced religious-based bullying in the past year, with one in five families saying their child faces such bullying daily.
This year alone, CAIR-Florida has noted a sharp rise in inbound calls regarding anti-Muslim bullying and discrimination in schools across Florida. We continue to provide resources, free trainings, and fact sheets to help ensure that Muslim students rights are protected in accordance with the 1st Amendment. If you or someone you know needs assistance with their rights or accommodations, please reach out at 833-224-7352 or visit our website at cairflorida.org.
ADDENDUM
SEE: CAIR-Florida Fact Sheet on Student Rights at School:
https://cairflorida.org/images/CAIR-Florida Student Rights at School Fact Sheet.pdf
SEE: 2022 Civil Rights Report: Still Suspect:
https://www.cair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Still-Suspect-Report-2022.pdf
SEE: Bias and Bullying in Public Schools: Mitigating the Impact on Muslim and Perceived-as-Muslim Students
https://islamophobia.org/research/bullying-and-bias-addressing-islamophobia-in-schools/
SEE: American Muslim Poll 2022
https://www.ispu.org/american-muslim-poll-2022-1/
ABOUT CAIR-FLORIDA
CAIR-Florida is the state’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-Florida es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
END
CONTACT: Wilfredo A. Ruiz, CAIR-Florida Communications Director, 305-502-6749, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.