Category: Media

Officials at CAIR-Philadelphia said these acts represent a pattern of anti-Muslim bullying in schools that has been on the rise since 2014.

Since August, the organization has received more than a dozen complaints of anti-Muslim bullying targeted at 15 to 20 students in 13 schools and colleges in the region, said Timothy Welbeck, the civil rights attorney for CAIR-Philadelphia. By comparison, there was one complaint of bullying for 2014, two for 2015, and nine for 2016.

Audio of Full Press Conference: Media Coverage: CBS Philly: Video of Full Press Conference: CBS Philly: CAIR Philadelphia Condemns Supreme

In his sermon, [CAIR-Philadelphia Vice President] Iftekhar Hussain congratulated Muslims for experiencing Ramadan — a month, he said, “to give us shade.” He noted that like society today, the prophet Muhammed saw oppression, violence and exploitation. Just as he would leave society to recharge himself, Hussain said Ramadan gives Muslims today a chance to refresh and to become active in their communities. With Ramadan at an end, he said, “Now is the time to engage in society.”

Timothy Welbeck, a civil rights attorney for the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said victims are sometimes afraid to come forward. Some might have questionable immigration status; others have had unfavorable encounters with law enforcement or fear retaliation if they were to speak out. “Many are fearful of coming forward,” Welbeck said. “Even with the increased reports we receive, I would argue it’s only a fraction of what is happening across the state and country.”