The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), along with more than two dozen coalition partners, today sent a letter to San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) administrators, expressing their firm solidarity with the Arab Resource & Organizing Center (AROC) and calling on administrators to end their unwarranted investigation of the organization.
The coalition letter defends AROC against an investigation spurred by a complaint from SF Guardians. In the complaint, SF Guardians described AROC as a “political organization committed to anti-Zionism / ending the state of Israel” and claimed that the organization violated stipulations in its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SFUSD.
The coalition letter:
- Refutes the accusations against AROC as biased and unsubstantiated.
- Highlights AROC’s long-standing commitment since 2008 to empowering youth, providing legal services, and leading policy initiatives for the benefit of San Francisco’s residents, particularly those in poor and working-class communities.
- Emphasizes that the October 18 student walkout referenced in the complaint was student-led and not exclusive to AROC-serviced schools, and AROC’s support for the demonstrators aligns with common nonprofit practices, separate from its MOU obligations.
- Dismisses claims of antisemitism against AROC, citing its collaborative work with Jewish organizations and its dedication to Palestinian rights and equality.
- Denounces the unfair targeting of AROC and its adverse effects on Arab and Muslim students, urging SFUSD to end the unwarranted investigation and to stand by its most vulnerable students.
SEE: Coalition Letter
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said, “The allegations against AROC represent more than just an attack on the organization itself; they symbolize a broader assault on the principles of diversity and inclusion, values that are increasingly threatened by extremists in educational settings nationwide.
“AROC’s role in enriching and supporting our educational landscape, especially for Arab and Muslim youth, is invaluable. SFUSD must not only clear AROC of these unfounded accusations but also recognize the organization’s critical contributions to our educational community and to resist any efforts that undermine this vital work.
“CAIR-SFBA and its robust coalition of partners stand resolute in defense of AROC, advocating tirelessly to ensure the rights and voices of Arab and Muslim students are not just heard but also respected and valued in our educational system.”