Family of North Carolina student allegedly assaulted for being Muslim accuses district of 'negligence'

Rebecca Noel, The Charlotte Observer on Mar 12, 2025

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The family of an Ardrey Kell High School student allegedly assaulted for wearing a hijab says they are “very likely” to sue Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

The family of the 15 year-old student, whose name has not been disclosed, said she was punched repeatedly in math class Friday by a football player at the school after days of anti-Muslim bullying. The girl was later transported to the hospital for treatment for her injuries, including “multiple broken bones in her face, her jaw,” Jibril Hough, a leader and advocate with the Islamic Center of Charlotte, said at a press conference Wednesday.

The girl said the male student called her racial slurs and told her to “go back to (her) country.” The family wants the incident to be investigated as a hate crime.

“The young man who happened to be an Ardrey Kell football player, seemed to have plenty of hate and be filled with intent,” Hough said. “He called our sister the b-word, the n-word, and told her to go back to her country. Our sister, who wears the hijab daily and is clearly identifiable as a Muslim — this is her own country. She was born and raised here.”

Family of student alleges CMS showed ‘negligence’ in response

The family alleged CMS did not handle the situation appropriately by not calling an ambulance promptly, instead requesting the student’s mother take her to the hospital. The student’s family said CMS also told them not to alert the media about the incident.

However, CMS said Ardrey Kell High School followed its protocols correctly.

“Ardrey Kell High School followed all policies and procedures as outlined in the board policy manual and student code of conduct, including involving law enforcement, calling 911 immediately and providing medical attention,” CMS Chief Operations Officer Tim Ivey said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon. “The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Police Department school resource officer assigned to Ardrey Kell HS was present at the scene and immediately initiated the appropriate investigative processes.”

The district said whether the incident qualifies as a hate crime is for law enforcement to decide.

“This is now an ongoing police investigation, and it’s important to note that the determination of whether this or any situation constitutes a hate crime falls under the jurisdiction of law enforcement and not the school district,” Ivey said.

Ivey also denied that the district advised the girl’s family not to speak to the media.

However, when The Charlotte Observer requested the incident report from CMPD Wednesday afternoon, officials said the department does not have a report on file.

“It’s the negligence that we experienced from the school administration and the cover up that we don’t agree to,” said Nael Abodabba, the female student’s uncle.

While the family has not filed a lawsuit against the district, Hough said it is “very likely.”

The football player, also 15, was suspended for 10 days, according to the family. However, as of Tuesday, the girl had also been suspended for 10 days as a result of the incident.

“We’re going to appeal her suspension,” said Abodabba. “So, that doesn’t follow her on her record, because she’s a victim.”

The girl will not be returning to Ardrey Kell, the family said. Hough stressed the need to stop violence on CMS campuses.

“I think we should all put pressure on CMS from the superintendent to the school board to principals on all levels,” he said. “I mean this has to stop.”

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