Second-grader heckled over Palestinian poem at cultural night, advocacy group says

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — During a night meant to bring the cultures of the world together at a Montgomery County school, a second-grade student was performing a well-known Palestinian poem when a parent rose from the audience and began to shout derogatory comments, said the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in a press release.

A Palestinian-American parent and her son were representing the culture of Palestine during International School Night at Damascus Elementary School when a person in the audience began to "heckle the child," attempting to bring his recitation to an end, according to the press release.

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The school's principal allegedly did not intervene or address the incident, leaving the child's family feeling silenced.

"It was a poem, nothing else. This was unfair to my son," said the mother of the second-grade student in a statement to CAIR. "I wish more people would come and talk to us. And ask us questions. Break the stereotypes about us."

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Following the incident, CAIR said it called on Montgomery County Public Schools to take action to ensure that all students feel protected, including conducting a thorough investigation, issuing a public apology, and instating protective measures while being transparent.

"We are appalled by this reportedly obnoxious behavior by a grown adult towards a young child and the lack of action and support from the school administration," said CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. "This incident underscores the urgent need for inclusivity and respect for all cultures and voices in our educational institutions. Schools should be safe spaces for students to express their heritage and share their stories without fear of harassment or intimidation."