(LOS ANGELES, CA – 10/4/2019) – On Wednesday, Oct. 16, the Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) will join the other three offices of CAIR-CA by hosting a press conference in Anaheim to mark National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month with the release of a new report documenting faith-based bullying of Muslim students in California schools.
The report titled, “Singled Out: Islamophobia in the Classroom and the Impact of Discrimination on Muslim Students,” is based on a statewide survey of approximately 1,500 Muslim students ages 11 to 18. CAIR-CA asked the students questions about their relationships with peers and teachers, their school environment and bullying they have witnessed or experienced.
Survey results show that Muslim students feel less safe, welcome and respected in their schools than other students, with 40.4 percent of respondents reporting experiencing some form of bullying, more than double the national average.
Every October, the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) joins with schools and organizations across the nation in observing National Bullying Prevention Month.
The goal of the observance is to educate on and raise awareness of the dangers of bullying. The month gives bullying prevention advocates a platform to call for an end to bullying, as well as racial hatred and religious intolerance.
The release of the report coincides with the week of Oct. 14, recognized as Stand Up for Others Week.
WHAT: CAIR-CA to Release Report on Bullying of Muslim Students
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 16
WHERE:
- Anaheim – 10 a.m. at the CAIR-LA Office, 2180 W. Crescent Blvd., Suite F, Anaheim, CA 92801
CONTACT:
- CAIR-LA Communications Manager Eugene Fields, 714.851.4851, efields@cair.com
The CAIR-CA report also shares anecdotes collected from students during survey outreach. It follows similar reports in 2017, 2015 and 2013, and charts how the landscape of faith-based bullying of Muslim students in California has changed. The report provides recommendations for policymakers, school officials and families about how best to protect children from bullying in school.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’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.
– END –
CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Eugene W. Fields, 714-776-1847 or efields@cair.com