RHODE ISLAND ISLAMIC SCHOOL VANDALIZED

We had some problems with a crew out of Warwick, RI a few years ago, so we will be following this. We are just a tad curious…

Providence Journal

WEST WARWICK, R.I. — A day after holding a vigil for three Muslim students killed in North Carolina, the Islamic School of Rhode Island was vandalized.

    Some time Saturday night racial slurs were spray-painted over the entrance of the school that serves students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, school officials said.

    Orange paint covered the school’s doors with the words, “Now this is a hate crime” and “pigs,” among other expletives referencing the prophet Muhammad.

    Hilmy Bakri, president of the school’s board of trustees, said school officials speculate that the phrases are referencing Chapel Hill, N.C., where authorities are investigating whether three Muslims were the victims of a hate crime. The Islamic School had a service for the victims in the school gymnasium Friday night.

    The school, which opened in 2003 as the first Islamic school in the state, has never before been the subject of vandalism or any serious threats, Bakri said.

    “I’m not angry. I’m just saddened,” Bakri said. “Anything like this that happens at any school … is just nonsense, but this time, because it’s my school, it feels more personal. Even though it’s just words on a wall, it’s very hurtful.”

    Bakri said he has a 7-year-old daughter who attends the school. The idea of racial slurs being directed at children is inconceivable, he said.

    The damage was confined primarily to the main entrance of the school, which faces away from traffic on Providence Street. It did not appear that anyone entered the building. West Warwick police would not immediately comment Sunday evening.

    Bakri said he was especially surprised by the act because the surrounding community has been peaceful and welcoming. He referenced conversations with leaders of other faiths who had called to lend their support.

    The school is located on the site of a former Roman Catholic parochial school. The Islamic School purchased the building from Sacred Heart Church in 2008 after renting space for a number of years.

    “I find it very upsetting,” Rabbi Sarah Mack, of Temple Beth-El in Providence, said of the vandalism. “The Muslim community in Rhode Island is very open and peaceful.”

    Moez Ghumman, who graduated from the school in 2010, said he was upset to see the hateful words on the school building. About 160 students attend the school.

“A vigil itself is a means of raising awareness in a peaceful manner, but apparently it has brought more hate,” Ghumman said. “But we will continue to raise awareness, as hate only stops when you refuse to remain silent when you witness it.”

The paint hadn’t yet been removed as of Sunday night. The school is on break this week, giving officials time to have it removed before students return, Bakri said.

    Asked if the school would be instituting any new safety measures as a result of what happened, Bakri said school officials will be reopening the conversation about school safety. Other parents have also asked about safety precautions, he said.

    “After the Sandy Hook [school shooting] happened, safety was something that was talked about, and we discussed again this morning ways to improve,” Bakri said.

“There’s also only so much that physical obstacles can prevent. Prayer is the best thing we can do for now — and just hope God protects us.”