The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has joined forces with the parents of two 13-year-old girls who were reportedly assaulted at Wallace Middle School. The group met with the school’s principal and Waterbury Police on Wednesday to address the incident.
According to CAIR, the seventh-grade twin sisters sustained injuries after being physically attacked by other students, who also forcibly removed their hijabs. The disturbing incident allegedly took place earlier this month.
Farhan Memon, a representative from CAIR, stated, “We have been informed by the school and the parents have been assured that the students responsible for this attack will not be returning to the school.”
Authorities confirmed that a 12-year-old initiated the altercation and has since been referred to a youth diversionary program.
In a statement, Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo emphasized the department’s commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, saying:
“Our goal is to make sure every student feels safe at school and that the institution fosters a welcoming atmosphere that respects all beliefs.”
Investigators are now looking into whether the attack was motivated by religious bias and whether it meets the criteria for a hate crime.
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CAIR is urging officials to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the assault, particularly in light of allegations that the victims had faced bullying in the weeks leading up to the attack. The organization is also advocating for school-wide anti-bullying training and a system for publicly reporting confirmed bullying incidents.
Meanwhile, concerns among Muslim students and their families are mounting. Sixth-grader Sumaya Syed recently began wearing her hijab in observance of Ramadan.
“I started wearing it because of Ramadan and my desire to follow my faith,” she said.
Her father, Fahd Syed, who also serves on the Waterbury Human Rights Commission, expressed deep concern for his daughters’ safety. He recounted a previous incident in which his older daughter’s hijab was removed by force and fears his younger daughter could face similar treatment.
“I worry she could be next. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but eventually. This is the reality of how Muslims are being treated, and we are here to bring about change,” he asserted.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of fostering an environment of respect and tolerance in schools, prompting calls for stronger anti-bullying measures and heightened awareness of religious discrimination.
