(HARRISBURG, PA. 1/25/2025) — On Monday, Jan. 27, the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), in collaboration with Harrisburg Palestine Coalition, parents, community leaders and civil rights advocates, will hold a press conference calling on Central Dauphin School District and the Central Dauphin School Board to expedite an investigation of a Central Dauphin Middle School teacher who allegedly called a 7th grade Muslim, Palestinian-Lebanese-American student a “terrorist.”
SEE: Islamic activist reacts to local teacher allegedly calling student a ‘terrorist’
Despite communications with the school district, the district has yet to directly communicate a public statement to parents and students about the incident or detail findings from its ongoing investigation. The press conference will take place before the school board meeting scheduled for the same day during which community members will share their concerns about this alleged incident.
WHEN: Monday January 27, 2024; 6 – 6:45 p.m.
WHERE: Linglestown Middle School (School Board Meeting Location) 1200 N Mountain Rd #1754, Harrisburg, PA 17112
WHO: Adam Rahman, father of targeted student, CAIR-Philadelphia, Harrisburg Palestine Coalition, Parents and Impacted Community Members, Faith and Civic Leaders
CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu, atekelioglu@cair.com; 617-401-5397; Harrisburg Palestine Coalition, hbgpalcoal@proton.me
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu said:
“The fact that the school district has not spoken publicly and directly to its community about this incident is a grave concern for our communities. Appropriate filings have been made with the Pennsylvania Department of Education as well as with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, whose proactive outreach is deeply appreciated by our communities. We will take this opportunity during the school board meeting to reiterate that our community will not tolerate such racist language and expects more from the School District to inform its community about the incident and the steps it is taking, as it should have already happened.”
In a statement, Harrisburg Palestine Coalition said:
“This type of deeply embedded racism from the teacher in question comes in part from exposure to misinformation and war propaganda by mainstream news coverage of Palestine. Central Dauphin School District must do more to ensure that education on Palestine is correctly taught in its classrooms. Incorporating curriculum resources on Palestine that include the Nakba that displaced over 750,000 Palestinians, and the United States’ direct involvement in the 76-year-long, ongoing occupation of Palestine by the genocidal israeli governments and settlers, the current genocide of Gaza and the West Bank are not only historic truths that must be taught, but elements that shape our current cultural and political climate and so must be embedded into CD’s culture. Education on Palestine in its full context and historical accuracy undoubtedly protects vulnerable students from discrimination and bigotry by depicting Palestinians honestly, especially when compared to a biased media that tries to justify the apartheid-settler-israeli regime and the genocide it continues to perpetrate on the Palestinian people.”
BACKGROUNDER:
On January 17, 2024, CAIR-Philadelphia called for a thorough disciplinary investigation into a teacher who reportedly responded to a Palestinian-American 7th grade student’s request to change his seat in the class by saying “I do not negotiate with terrorists.” The incident reportedly took place at Central Dauphin Middle School in Harrisburg.
“The teacher’s alleged racist, anti-Palestinian verbal assault effectively makes her unfit to teach any students,” said CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Dr. Ahmet Tekelioglu. “We call on Central Dauphin School District to swiftly conclude its investigation and depart ways with this teacher. There is no scenario where the student who was verbally assaulted, his family, or our community will feel safe at Central Dauphin School District if this teacher is allowed to interact with students. We commend the student for conveying his experience to his family and the family’s strong and decisive stance on such a traumatic experience.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
Harrisburg Palestine Coalition’s mission is to organize for a liberated Palestine across Central Pennsylvania.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu, atekelioglu@cair.com; 617-401-5397; Harrisburg Palestine Coalition, hbgpalcoal@proton.me
