***MEDIA ADVISORY***

(CHICAGO, IL, 10/27/2021) – On Thursday, Oct. 28, the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will hold a news conference to address the recent spike in cases of bullying targeting Muslim students in the Chicagoland area. A major anti-bullying project will be announced at the news conference.

CAIR-Chicago recently received a number of reports of bullying, harassment and discrimination of Muslim students at Chicagoland Suburban school districts spanning middle, junior and high schools, including egregious cases (one of which sadly led to a student losing his life).

In response to these reports, and as we close out national anti-Bullying month, CAIR-Chicago will be addressing some of these recent cases along with affected students and parents and announcing the launch of a major project aimed to stop bullying and protect students.

SEE: WGN: Lisle school district investigates after teacher accused of making racist, offensive comments

WHAT: Press Conference Discussing Recent Serious Bullying Cases and Launch of New Anti-Bullying Initiative

WHERE: CAIR-Chicago Azima Center, 17 N State St. Suite 1500, Chicago IL 60602

WHEN: Thursday, October 28, 1 PM

WHO: CAIR-Chicago Staff, Students and Families

In a statement, CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab said:

"The circumstances of the bullying incidents of Muslim students we have recently received are heartbreaking. For every case reported, there are probably dozens that go unreported. Bullying is another pandemic that affects not just Muslim students, and it needs to be addressed. Safety, dignity and respect are basic human rights. Every child deserves to feel excited about going to school - to feel embraced in their sacred space of learning. Only together can we make this a reality for everyone. Our new initiative will seek to do just that in an effective and sustainable fashion by engaging affected parties and building genuine partnerships to offer key services, awareness and advocacy.”

CAIR-Chicago is the Chicago Chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Our mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Saadia Pervaiz, 312-374-2131, spervaiz@cair.com; CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Hannah Faris, 312-212-1520, hfaris@cair.com