(CHICAGO, IL, 12/22/2023) - The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today called on Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to expedite and conclude its investigation in response to an incident in which a substitute teacher allegedly made inappropriate and offensive remarks toward an 8-year-old student based on the student identifying as Palestinian.  

WATCH: My 8 year old brother was harassed by his art substitute teacher just because he’s a Palestinian American.  

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, Dec. 15 during the last hour of the school day at Chicago Academy Elementary School. A substitute teacher allegedly directed derogatory statements toward the student. The teacher reportedly called the student a killer of children and acted in a threatening manner toward the student. The boy’s parents were notified of the incident, leading them to ask the school to file a report against the teacher.  

In a statement, Phil Robertson, Litigation Director of CAIR-Chicago, said: 

“We commend the school for its full cooperation with CPS’s Office of Student Protection. While we appreciate the initial steps taken by CPS to address the matter, we urge the district to sustain its commitment to a thorough investigation without any undue delay. The emotional well-being of the student is of paramount importance, and a comprehensive inquiry is indispensable to ensure a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment for every student within Chicago Public Schools."  

“It is our collective responsibility to stand unwaveringly against any form of discrimination or harassment within our educational institution. We call on CPS to intensify its investigative efforts, engaging additional witnesses to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired. This is fundamental in taking appropriate actions to address any misconduct and restore a sense of security for the affected student."

“CPS must implement all necessary measures to uphold its steadfast commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect within the educational community. We place our trust in CPS’s continued dedication to providing a supportive environment for all students and anticipate transparent updates on the progress of the investigation.”  

In recent months, there has been a concerning rise in bullying cases against Palestinians and Muslims since Oct. 7. CAIR-Chicago’s Healsters.org initiative addresses and combats bullying faced by youth. Healsters.org is a dedicated platform offering support and resources for individuals impacted by school-related issues, fostering a community of healing and empowerment. We encourage any student facing bullying at school to report any Islamophobic or bullying incidents using this resource. 

CAIR-Chicago is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance and understanding.  

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CONTACT: Phil Robertson, Litigation Director of CAIR-Chicago, probertson@cair.com; Erin P.R. Davis, MCM, Communications Coordinator of CAIR-Chicago, 773-802-8786, epdavis@cair.com