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The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a news release stating that it welcomed Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) response to a complaint regarding the alleged mistreatment of an 8-year-old Muslim student at Cabin Branch Elementary School in Clarksburg, which included removing the teacher from the classroom.

The complaint alleges that the teacher humiliated, threatened, and intimidated the 8-year-old Muslim student, including making inappropriate comments urging her to remove her hijab, subjecting her to harsher disciplinary measures than her peers, and denying her access to basic necessities such as using the restroom and drinking water. It also states that the mistreatment caused the student significant anxiety, leading to panic attacks and requiring medical attention at school.

In response to inquiries regarding the incident, MCPS Public Information Officer Liliana López stated “This is a personnel matter, and I am not able to offer any statements.”

Per the news release distributed by on Monday, March 25:

“The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed decisive action taken by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in response to a complaint it received regarding the mistreatment of an 8-year-old American Muslim student at Cabin Branch Elementary School in Clarksburg, MD. These actions include removing the teacher named in the complaint from the classroom and ensuring that he has no further contact with the student.

The complaint alleging discrimination and harassment was filed by the student’s parents detailing a deeply troubling pattern of behavior including the teacher allegedly humiliating, threatening, and intimidating the young girl, particularly regarding her hijab. Reports indicate that he made inappropriate comments urging her to “remove her hijab” and allegedly subjected her to harsher disciplinary measures compared to her peers for similar infractions, which “severely affected” her well-being. The complaint alleged that the teacher denied the student access to basic necessities including using the restroom and drinking water.

The consequences of this mistreatment reportedly led to significant anxiety for the student, manifesting in panic attacks and “requiring medical attention” from school staff on multiple occasions “due to fear and distress.”

As a Muslim American and a veteran who has served honorably in the U.S. armed forces, the student’s father told CAIR he found it profoundly disheartening that their daughter has had to endure such discrimination and intimidation in an environment that should be safe and nurturing.

In a statement to CAIR following the school system’s response, he said:

“It means everything to my family that my daughter can now feel safe in class. This situation caused us a lot of stress and worry as parents, my daughter was afraid to go to school before. She’s young, she was struggling with what the teacher did. No one’s kid should have to deal with this kind of situation from their teachers, no matter their religion. Our family knows we can count on CAIR for support through these situations. CAIR has had our back, their help has given my family peace of mind.”

“We applaud this family’s courage in coming forward for their daughter’s sake and we acknowledge Montgomery County Public Schools for taking swift action to address this complaint,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “CAIR encourages all school districts to routinely provide comprehensive cultural competency and anti-discrimination trainings for all of their educators. It’s essential that they’re accountable to fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment for all students, regardless of their background.”

The civil rights group remains committed to advocating for the rights of Muslim students and ensuring that all children are treated with dignity and respect in educational institutions.

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.”