Incident at Paul Revere Middle School
A disturbing incident at Paul Revere Middle School in Houston has sparked outrage and raised concerns about student safety. The Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Houston shared a post on Instagram, claiming that three Afghan girls were violently attacked by at least 20 students on March 3. The post alleged that the attackers used pencils to stab the girls, who were targeted because of their ethnicity and for wearing the Islamic headscarf (hijab).
Allegations of Assault and Discrimination
The CAIR post stated that the girls were attacked due to mistaken identity over middle school drama. The incident has garnered significant attention, with over 1,500 likes and comments calling for investigation and action. William White, Director of CAIR-Houston, condemned the alleged assault, stating that it is "absolutely unacceptable" and demands immediate action from the Houston Independent School District (HISD) to ensure the students’ safety and well-being.
Video Evidence and Eyewitness Accounts
A video of the incident, shared by CAIR, shows a flurry of blows thrown and crowds of spectating students, as well as an administrator attempting to break up the fight. The footage has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with many calling for accountability and action from HISD.
HISD’s Response
However, when KPRC 2 reached out to HISD for comment, the district provided a different account of the incident. According to HISD, there was only one victim, and seven aggressors were involved, rather than 20. The district also stated that there was no evidence of racial or religious targeting, or that the victim was stabbed and hospitalized.
Demands for Action
CAIR and Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer have called on HISD to take decisive action to ensure student safety and prevent similar incidents in the future. CAIR is demanding a full, independent investigation, accountability for those involved, and trauma-informed support for the victims and their families. HISD has stated that the seven aggressors received disciplinary consequences and that the victim has been offered a school transfer.
Conclusion
The incident at Paul Revere Middle School has raised serious concerns about student safety and the need for accountability. While there are still many questions surrounding the incident, one thing is clear: schools must be a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity. It is essential for HISD to take immediate action to address the concerns of the community and ensure that incidents like this do not happen again in the future.
