John Matthews
WMAL.com
BURKE, VA — Witnesses say it was a prank-gone wrong.
A teacher at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Fairfax County on Wednesday apparently playfully pulled a teenage student’s sweatshirt hood off of her head, which yanked her hijab, or headscarf, off as well, exposing her hair. The act prompted the school system to place the teacher on leave while it investigates the incident.
In a message to parents, principal David Thomas said the teacher had apologized to the student and her family. In a written statement, County Schools spokesman John Torre described the teacher’s actions as “inappropriate and unacceptable.”
“As you know, we continuously strive to create a positive learning environment at Lake Braddock Secondary School, and this week we regrettably had an incident that failed to live up to those standards,” Thomas said in his message. “I want to reinforce that we celebrate the diversity of our students and families. It is a strength of our school.”
The Council on American Islamic Relations is calling for further disciplinary action. “No student should be bullied or attacked because of his or her faith. Teachers must protect students, not subject them to harassment or intimidation,” CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad wrote in a statement.
Details of the incident have been revealed by the victim as well as witnesses on social media:
So my hijab was ripped off my head today.
— ً (@yasmemee) November 15, 2017
in a series of tweets, the victim said she was humiliated by the teacher’s actions, and says she wants “justice.” Another student who witnessed the incident, said it appeared to be a prank.
Truth pt.1 pic.twitter.com/sAxbQaZsfU
— Manaal Baig (@manaal_baig) November 16, 2017
Truth pt.2 pic.twitter.com/9AUHvnF6zl
— Manaal Baig (@manaal_baig) November 16, 2017
I want justice and I’m going to what’s necessary to receive that. It doesn’t matter if he’s the one of the best teachers at LB he still chose to touch me, and there are consequences for his actions. https://t.co/9uln8CMRPj
— ً (@yasmemee) November 16, 2017
Copyright 2017 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (PHOTO: Google Maps)
