CAIR-NJ Demands ‘Transparent and Fair’ Probe of East Brunswick High School Yearbook Photo Incident
CAIR-NJ Demands ‘Transparent and Fair’ Probe of East Brunswick High School Yearbook Photo Incident
(NEWARK, N.J. (6/6/2024) – The New Jersey office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today demanded a transparent and fair investigation into an incident at East Brunswick High School in which a yearbook photo of apparently Muslim students was used to illustrate members of a Jewish school club.
A photo of the yearbook page has gone viral online, triggering anti-Muslim bigotry targeting the students pictured. CAIR-NJ has seen hateful comments on social media, including some that called the students terrorists and that they should be deported.
East Brunswick Superintendent Dr. Victor Valeski apologized to the Muslim parents and students: “As I mentioned impacts to our Jewish students and families earlier today, I want to offer sincere apologies to our Muslim students and families, as well. I am aware that the picture placed in the yearbook has caused pain for our Muslim students and for that I am deeply sorry.”
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi said:
“It is crucial that school officials ensure their investigation is transparent, fair and thorough so those responsible are held accountable. This incident has triggered heinous backlash against some Muslim students who had no knowledge on their photo being misused.
“The hate comments attacking Muslim high school students are deplorable. We call on East Brunswick’s mayor and public schools superintendent to offer support to their Muslim student community and be leaders for the entire township.”
East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen one-sided statement posted June 4 on his Facebook account does not mention nor address the distressful impact this has had on Muslim community members who are equally a part of his constituency. “
Washington, D.C., based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, 551-208-5482, aelamroussi@cair.com
