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Trustee reports multiple attacks on mosque, urges district action on Islamophobia
Summary
Trustee Raf told the board that a mosque on Smith Street in Union City was shot at three times in recent months and urged the district to address Islamophobia in schools; district staff said a policy review on discrimination and racism is already planned for mid-June.
During board member requests Trustee Raf reported that the mosque on Smith Street in Union City has been targeted by gunfire three times over the past two months and urged the district to respond. "Islamophobia is on the rise here in our Union City," Raf said, asking that incidents be reported, logged and addressed, and that students who engage in hate speech receive counseling.
District staff and trustees responded that a review of policies on discrimination and racism is already underway and that the topic will be addressed in a mid-June meeting with other districts as part of the district's belonging and dignity work. Superintendent Thompson also acknowledged the report and noted district personnel are coordinating responses.
Why it matters: reported hostile incidents against a place of worship raise community safety and student-conduct concerns; Trustee Raf specifically connected these community incidents to the school environment and asked for counseling and enforcement measures to prevent hate speech and harassment.
Next steps: trustees said the planned policy review will address discrimination and racism policies and related procedures; staff did not provide additional operational details at the meeting.
