We are aware of the breaking news from this week about an Afghan national charged with conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism. This individual allegedly provided material support to ISIS and had obtained firearms and ammunition with the intent of carrying out a violent attack on Election Day. A co-conspirator, recently identified as a minor student in virtual school at Moore Public Schools, has also been arrested.
We know and have shared with our colleagues and the local media that this individual’s actions and beliefs are not representative of Islam, nor are they representative of the immigrant, refugee, and Afghan communities of Oklahoma. However, we know that historically, news of this nature often results in retaliation against Muslims, immigrants, refugees, and Afghans, and we want you and your families to be safe.
Below are some resources to help you and your families advocate for yourselves and safeguard your civil liberties.
- Law enforcement: You have the right to decline interviews with law enforcement agents and to be free from unlawful searches and seizures. You have the right to proper representation and due process. Find Know Your Rights Material:
- In English: https://www.cair.com/know_your_rights/your-rights-with-law-enforcement/
- In Arabic/Dari/Pashto: https://www.cairoklahoma.com/refugee-services/know-your-rights/
- Schools: Bullying of Muslim, Afghan, and refugee students should not be tolerated. Students, families, teachers, and administration should remain vigilant against the targeting of vulnerable student populations.
- Teachers/administrators: Educators Guide to Islamic Religious Practices, https://www.cairoklahoma.com/resource/an-educators-guide-to-islamic-religious-practices/
- Families and students: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-releases-new-anti-bullying-guide-for-muslim-students-and-families-for-national-bullying-prevention-month-oct/
- Hate incidents: Reporting incidents of Islamophobic harassment, bigotry, and discrimination helps us track the spread of hate and respond to it with the best resources we have available.
- Report online: cairoklahoma.com/report
- Call: 405-415-6851
- Safety and Security: Be aware of your safety at all times.
- CAIR Community Security and Safety Tips: https://www.cair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/CAIR-Community-Security-Safety-Tips.pdf
- Report: cairoklahoma.com/report
- If you are in danger, contact 911.
As always, the CAIR Oklahoma team is committed to your safety and that of our entire community. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.