(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 07/12/21) – CAIR-Philadelphia today decried the decision of Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele decision to charge Ms. Sanaa Beaufort, a Black Muslim student at North Penn High School. Ms. Beaufort was attacked by two students in the school cafeteria on May 4, 2021, during which Ms. Beaufort’s hijab was forcibly removed in the fight and the school made her walk through the hall without her hijab. The North Penn School District apologized for this action and committed itself to working with CAIR-Philadelphia to advance diversity and anti-bullying training.
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Civil Rights Attorney Timothy Welbeck said, “We are deeply disappointed by the decision to pursue criminal charges against Ms. Beaufort. We have maintained from the beginning that our client is the victim in this incident, and our system should protect her rather than vilify her. We will do all in our power to vigorously fight against these charges.” He continued, “CAIR-Philadelphia will continue to legally represent Ms. Beaufort and her family to ensure their rights are preserved.”
CAIR-Philadelphia calls on North Penn and broader communities to join a protest at 12:00pm on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown (2 E Airy St, Norristown, PA 19401) to protest the DA’s decision.
WHAT: Protest Against Montgomery County District Attorney’s Decision to Charge Black Muslim Student Sanaa Beaufort
WHEN: Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 12:00pm
WHERE: Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown (2 E Airy St, Norristown, PA 19401)
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.
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.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Civil Rights Attorney Timothy Welbeck, 267-398-5640, twelbeck@cair.com; CAIR-Philadelphia Outreach and Education Director Ahmet Tekelioglu, 617-401-5397, atekelioglu@cair.com
