CT middle schooler facing hate crime charge after altercation involving two Muslim classmates
The 12-year-old was charged Friday with first- and second-degree intimidation based on bigotry and bias through a court-issued summons to Waterbury Juvenile Court, according to a joint release from Waterbury Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr., the Waterbury Police Department and the Waterbury Department of Education.
City officials noted that a second female student was previously referred to a youth diversionary program as an alternative to arrest, based on her involvement in the incident.
The Waterbury Police Department's Juvenile Division's Criminal Investigation Bureau conducted an investigation into a physical altercation involving four seventh-grade students at Wallace Middle School on March 3. 'The investigation included interviews with numerous staff members and students who were present or otherwise involved,' according to officials.
Two girls alleged they were assaulted by fellow students at the middle school because of their Muslim beliefs, according to the Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Two CT middle school students allegedly assaulted after being bullied for Muslim beliefs
A school resource officer assigned to the middle school responded to the altercation. Police said that two of the four girls suffered what were described as minor injuries, adding that no one involved required medical attention.
According to Farhan Memon, a spokesperson for CAIR, the two Muslim girls were taken to the hospital by their father. One of them allegedly suffered a bloody nose, some bruises to her face and a swollen eye, Memon said. The other allegedly had something scraped across her neck, which left a mark as well as bruising and contusions.
Memon said both girls recently moved to Connecticut from Egypt and have allegedly experienced bullying and harassment since. Days before they were assaulted they allegedly told a teacher at the school that they were being bullied for their Muslim beliefs, Memon said. They both allegedly had their hijabs ripped off during the attack.
'Investigators determined that the altercation was motivated by religion and/or ethnicity, meeting the legal definition of a hate crime. The Waterbury State's Attorney's Office reviewed the findings and confirmed this classification,' the joint statement said on Friday.
Additionally, the City of Waterbury Department of Education claims they verified the bullying incident, took disciplinary action and implemented 'enhanced school safety measures' in response to the incident.
'While this was not part of a widespread problem, this is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensure our students are safe and respectful of one another,' said Interim Superintendent Dr. Darren Schwartz.
'I want to commend and thank Chief of Police Fred Spagnolo and Interim Superintendent of Schools Darren Schwartz for their serious and thorough investigations of this matter,' Pernerewski said. 'The students who instigated the incident will be properly disciplined by the school district and face appropriate consequences in the judicial system. While this is an isolated incident, I remain committed to working with the Waterbury Police and the Education Department to ensure our students have a safe and welcoming educational experience.'
Spagnolo re-emphasized the department's commitment to investigating all claims of bias-related incidents.
'This investigation reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive school environment. Every student deserves to feel secure and respected in their learning environment, and we will continue to work closely with our school partners to uphold that standard,' he said.
Information from Courant reporter Justin Muszynski was used in this report.
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