Houston Arabic Immersion Magnet School Faces Bigots
As the school year began last Monday, Houston’s new Arabic Immersion Magnet School saw the first day marked by discriminatory, xenophobic protests. The public elementary school is among a number of schools with a dual language curriculum in the Houston Independent School District. While other schools offer a Spanish – English or Chinese – English curriculum, this is the first Arabic – English program in Houston and among the first in the nation. The school’s mission focuses on cultural awareness and creating “competent global citizens.” For most children at the school, Arabic will be their second or third language.
Yet, last Monday morning, a group of around 30 protesters carried signs with statements such as “Everything I Ever Cared to Know about Islam Was Taught to Me by Muslims on 9-11 2001,” “Qatar Out of Our Schools” and “Just Say No! Immigrate, Infiltrate, Caliphate.” The protestors waved American flags and told reporters that students should be focused on learning English.
Source: www.huffingtonpost.com