Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hate Incident topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident describes harassment of Muslim youth; urges council to adopt anti-Islamophobia guidance
Summary
A resident reported that minors praying outside a business were harassed and ridiculed; he urged council to review US Mayors guidance on Islamophobia, called for education and outreach, and thanked police for their response while saying the incident's treatment as 'just a guy being a jerk' felt insufficient.
Owaiz Khan, who said he represents a Muslim youth group, described an incident outside Original Mocha in which several minors prayed and were confronted by a man who shouted at them and ridiculed their religion. Khan said the minors were allowed by the business owner to pray outside and that the encounter frightened the youths and left some in need of counseling.
Khan said he had spoken with Sergeant Bartholomew and the police chief and thanked them for their attention; he also asked council to review guidance from the U.S. Conference of Mayors on responding to Islamophobia. "We are not your enemy," Khan said, urging dialogue: "So come to the table and let's mend the wounds in your heart." He said the community response of describing the incident as "just a guy being a jerk" felt insufficient and asked council and staff to consider formal steps for education and reconciliation.
Council acknowledged the comment and staff indicated conversations were already underway with affected residents and police; no formal council action was taken at the meeting.
