An American school has reportedly cancelled a planned Muslim speaker after the teacher organising the talk received threats.
Northeastern Middle School in Connecticut had invited Annam Choudry, the founder of an organisation devoted to the “empowerment of Muslim women”, to deliver a talk to students.
A letter sent home to parents informing them of the event was shared online. It said: “This presentation will enrich our curriculum on world history.”
However, the school decided to cancel the event due to safety fears after angry comments and threatening messages were reportedly sent.
Bristol Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sass told NBC: “There were some security concerns due to threats being made at the school toward the teacher who was organising the event.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the US’s largest Muslim civil rights organisation, spoke out against the school’s decision to “bow to public pressure” and cancel the talk.
It said a future presentation on Judaism by a Rabbi had also been cancelled.
Farhan Memon, Chairperson of the council, said in a statement: “I had a very positive discussion this morning with Bristol Public School Superintendent Dr. Susan Moreau.
“Dr. Moreau assured me of BPS’ commitment to diversity education and the need for the entire Bristol community to learn about other cultures and religions.
“We are, however, concerned that Bristol Public Schools would seemingly bow to public pressure in this manner.”
He added: “Cancelling speakers outright emboldens individuals and organisations in Bristol who are Islamophobic and Anti-Semitic. It does a disservice to Bristol's students and to the community as a whole who need to learn about America's pluralism and diversity.”
