The Arizona Muslim Voice www.azmuslimvoice.com
MONTHLY NEWSPAPER
AUGUST, 2016
VOL.21 ISSUE NO. 240
IMMIGRANTS SUE ARIZONA MINNEAPOLIS
OVER SLASH IN MEDICAID BENEFITS By Gabriella Riser
Immigrants in Arizona are suing the state in federal court after it reduced their Medicaid benefits to “emergency only” visits. According to the National Immigration Law Center, lawfully present immigrants receive limited federal coverage while undocumented immigrants do not receive and are not allowed to purchase coverage. Lawfully present immigrants may enroll in a qualified health plan from state insurance agencies and are eligible for premium tax credits and lower copayments. Since April 2009, states can choose to provide Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program benefits to lawfully residing children and pregnant women without a waiting period. Current federal Medicaid eligibility restrictions include a waiting period of five or more years for most lawfully residing, lowincome adult immigrants. Coverage may be available to immigrants in some states. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Alma Sanchez Haro, an immigrant who has lived in the United States for more than 20 years but recently had her Medicaid status transferred to “emergency only” although her immigration status
has not changed. Haro, 48, was a victim of battery. She and fellow plaintiff Aita Darhee, a 30-year-old refugee from Nepal, sued Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Director Thomas Betlach on July 22. They are represented by attorney Ellen Katz. Arizona has been in violation of health laws for immigrants for a year and a half, according to a complaint filed by the plaintiffs. They each received a letter outlining their reduced coverage. The AHCCCS admitted in October 2015 that 3,500 immigrants had their coverage wrongfully reduced but claimed that all were reinstated. But the complaint said these wrongful reductions continued into 2016, causing people with chronic medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, mental health conditions, asthma and others, to be left without medical care for long periods of time. Haro received notice of her coverage reduction in April. As a victim of domestic violence, she received a special visa in 2003 through the Violence Against Women Act, making her eligible for health benefits. She is a diabetic and was told the change occurred because she had been a permanent resident for less than
OLYMPIAN IBTIHAJ MUHAMMAD BECOMES AN AMERICAN HERO ZIN A HIJAB By Drew Farmer
Despite the rhetoric of one U.S. presidential hopeful in an election year, Ibtihaj Muhammad has reminded many that America is a melting pot of diverse people. The hijab-wearing fencer took home a bronze medal in the Team Sabre event alongside Monica Aksamit, Dagmara Wozniak and Mariel Zagunis. The quartet defeated Italy in the third-place medal match. Muhammad is ranked eighth in
the world and currently is listed as the USA’s number two. She has spent a lifetime playing the sport, yet nothing she has done in fencing to date has gained her as much attention as this, her appearance at the Rio Olympics. Now a spokesperson for not only Muslims but black Americans, Muhammad spoke about her experience at the games and her hopes for the future. “I’m hoping that through my
five years. She became a legal resident of Arizona in 2015. Darjee, her husband and her son became eligible for full AHCCCS benefits after moving to the United States in 2011. A year later they became permanent legal residents and notified the state agency which subsequently reduced their benefits to emergency only. Benefits were restored but then reduced again in July. Darjee’s husband has diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma. “They are very stressed over this situation,” the lawsuit states. “Plaintiff Darjee is especially worried about her husband.” The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, approved by Congress in 1996, included a clause that immigrants must live in the United States for five years before qualifying for public benefits. The lawsuit says that federal law exempts certain immigrants from that rule and makes them eligible for full AHCCCS benefits. Darjee and Haro are seeking class certification, a declaratory judgment currently being violated by AHCCCS, reinstatement of full Medicaid benefits and injunction and court costs. Attorneys with the National Health Law Program in Los Angeles will be assisting Katz in the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Phoenix.
experiences here at the Olympic Games – winning a medal – that I combat those stereotypes about Muslims and African Americans, and even women,” Muhammad stated after her Olympic experience had ended. “We’re like any other athletes, we have worked really hard for this, and I can’t think of a more deserving group of girls to go home with a medal.” Muhammad may have been unsuccessful in the individual fencing event, losing to France’s Cecilia Berder in the second round, but it was her work in the team event that will leave a lasting Continued on p. 2
WOMAN ON HER WAY TO BECOMING FIRST SOMALI AMERICAN STATE LEGISLATOR By Tracey Tong
A woman who came to the United States as a Somali refugee is poised to become America’s first Somali American state legislator. Ilhan Omar, 33, spent four years in a Kenyan refugee camp as a child before arriving in Virginia with her family 20 years ago. The family later relocated to Minnesota. Omar is a community and political activist who has served as director of policy initiatives for a group that counsels East African women on civic involvement and leadership and as a policy aide and campaign manager for Minneapolis City Councilman Andrew Johnson. Omar won the Aug. 9 Democratic primary for District 60B of the Minnesota House over 22term incumbent Phyllis Kahn and another Somali American, Mohamud Noor. She will be the Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate in the November general election and is favored to win in the Democratic-leaning district which includes parts of Minneapolis. Minnesota’s Somali population, which is estimated to be around Continued on p. 2
In this issue NEWS
AMV readers were asked to submit a response to the speech of Khazr Khan.......... 03
OP-ED
Military vets now serve U.S. with peace activism .... 04
OP-ED
Cynical Trump takes the low road in run for presidency............................ 05
OP-ED
For teachers, every year and every child should represent a fresh start........ 06
2
AUGUST 2016
NEWS
OLYMPIAN IBTIHAJ MUHAMMAD BECOMES AN AMERICAN HERO ZIN A HIJAB Continued from p. 1
memory in the minds of fencing aficionados. “She is still an inspiration to us whatever the outcome and whatever her faith,” Mitchell Saron, a 15-year-old U.S. junior fencer, explained. “We don’t care about the hijab one way or another. She is a brilliant competitor. Today, she lost but we don’t think anything less of her for that.” Muhammad’s history-making win will also be remembered for the fact that she is the first U.S. Olympic athlete to wear a hijab.
mie Smith and John Carlos’ 1968 black glove medal moment. That is not the case as Muhammad and others are actually trying to show the country we are all in this together, and America is already great. “Oh, I believe so we are in a really peculiar time in our country, where people are comfortable saying things about particular groups, and they encourage fear, and they encourage violence, and I want to challenge those ideas,” Muhammad said. “I feel I have to use my platform as an athlete to
I believe so we are in a really peculiar time in our country, where people are comfortable saying things about particular groups, and they encourage fear, and they encourage violence, and I want to challenge those ideas.” It might not seem like much to younger generations, but it is something that a certain segment of Americans see as an attack on the establishment. Muhammad’s finest moment comes with the backdrop of Donald Trump’s continued effort to ostracize those of different color or ethnic makeup than his own. In fact, members of a certain demographic believe that Muhammad’s podium moment wearing a hijab is very similar to Tom-
speak up, and hopefully provide change in this country.” Inspired by the late, great Muhammad Ali, Ibtihaj Muhammad wants to speak out and use her position as an Olympic athlete to change the world. “Why not use your platform to change our condition to help make our world a better place?” Muhammad questioned. At the top of her sport, she has a lot to say and hopefully more people will listen.
MINNEAPOLIS
WOMAN ON HER WAY TO BECOMING FIRST SOMALI AMERICAN STATE LEGISLATOR
Continued from p. 1
40,000, is gaining influence in the state. People with roots in this part of the globe have also won seats on the Minneapolis City Council and school board recently.
Omar is very aware of the Minnesota Somali community’s challenges, which include unemployment, housing and security issues. Her priorities are to close the opportunity gap in the educational system, work on criminal justice reform and take on policing reform. She also wants to see assistance given to minority entrepreneurs, especially minority women who need a hand in starting their business. Omar hopes that her recent win lets young women and girls know that they can raise money, break stereotypes and accomplish what they put their minds to.
The Arizona Muslim Voice PUBLISHED MONTHLY by UNUS, LLC OWNER / PUBLISHER Wafa Unus wafa@azmuslimvoice.com FOUNDED BY Marwan Ahmad
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gabriella Riser • Tracey Tong • Drew Farmer • Nate Terani Ian Punnett • Omaira Alam • Aneesah Nadir ADVERTISEMENTS ads@azmuslimvoice.com Deadlines for submission of letters is the 24th of every month, and for advertisements by the 25th. Only letters and articles submitted on electronically or by email will be accepted for review. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any letters, articles or advertisement or any other material. The Publisher will not be liable for more than the advertisement cost in case of an error. The Muslim Voice is not responsible for the contents of advertisements or articles nor endorses them in any way or form.
The Cultural Cup Food Bank
“The ONLY Muslim run food bank in Arizona!” HELP SUPPORT THE NEEDY IN OUR COMMUNITY HELP MUSLIMS MAKE A DIFFERENCE We need your support! Financial, food, clothing and supplies! Help us help the new refugee arrivals as well as the community as a whole! Eidul Adha will soon be here and we need your donations now, BEFORE Eid in order to fulfill your Qurbani order! Your donations will help feed the neediest in our community! We accept Qurbani/Zabiha meat donations as well as monetary donations to buy Zabiha meat. CCFB will distribute meat and food anonymously on your behalf to those need!! *All meat must be prepackaged/professionally packaged by the butcher or by the farm you are slaughtering at, and stamped with a USDA stamp or sticker of inspection. We cannot and will not under any circumstances accept meat which is not prepackaged or which is delivered in garbage bags, frozen in one piece, or unsanitary in any way. ALL MEAT MUST BE USDA inspected/ prepackaged for the health and safety of our community members! Here is an example of the USDA stamp:
EXAMPLES:
How you can help: In Order of Importance! 1. Donate monthly to support CCFB programs. 2. Donate ethnic foods to CCFB so we can distribute to new arrivals. 3. Donate household items, baby items. All types of donations are tax deductible! Please become a sustaining monthly donor for a worthy cause! You can donate directly to the Cultural Cup Food Bank 501 (c) (3) several ways: 1) PayPal: http://culturalcup.com/donate.html, either credit card or PayPal account. 2) Set up a monthly donation through your bank on “Bill Pay”. 3) By check to: Cultural Cup Food Bank, PO Box 17521, Phoenix, AZ 85011. 4) Also in need of food, clothing, and household donations to CCFB during business hours.
READERS RESPOND
READERSRESPOND
In this issue, AMV readers were asked to submit a response to the speech of Khazr Khan at the Democractic National Convention and Trump’s subsequent response on Ghazala Khan’s silence during that speech.
As a Muslim-American, I was proud to see Khizr Khan take the stage at the Democratic National Convention. Now, more than ever, it is necessary to have vocal Muslims in the national spotlight to refute the flawed claims made by politicians and to show the world that Islamic values are in fact compatible with Western ideologies. Speaking to a national audience, Mr. Khan said, now famously, “Donald Trump...Let me ask you. Have you even read the United States Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy. In this document, look for the words liberty and equal protection of law.” While the media and the Clinton campaign picked up on those first few lines, Khan’s argument at the end is most valid. Of course, Donald Trump, in usual “drumpf” fashion isolated Ghazala Khan, a grieving mother of a fallen soldier, questioning her silence and attributing it to her faith. This disrespectful, if not blatantly offensive response by Trump, shows the core problem of his entire campaign. Although he claims to be a successful businessman and a Washington outsider, he evades questions and hides behind outlandish, unsubstantiated claims like a seasoned, career politician. What’s worse is that Trump has a history of misunderstanding the Constitution, as evidenced by his public support for Article 12 of the Constitution, despite there being only seven articles. This coming from the man who as President is supposed to “protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” How can one defend something they know virtually nothing about?
- Amir Khawaja, 20, from Phoenix
Khizr Khan’s speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) was quite remarkable. He was able to connect with many on an emotional level. He was able to embody through his actions and words that even though he comes from a different culture, he is proud and happy to be in USA because it gave him and his family the opportunities that they never would have had if they had
chosen not to come to USA. However, I thought it was funny how he had a copy of the Constitution in his pocket to “give it to Trump”. I didn’t know what to believe with regards to Ghazala Khan’s silence. It could be that she was grieving internally during the speech and wasn’t able to talk but at no point did it seem that she was going to speak. I know in quite a few cultures it is the men who do everything and it could be that she didn’t speak due to her cultural upbringing. It doesn’t matter. It was wrong of Trump to criticize her.
- Vishal Mehta, 22, Phoenix
Trump's claim that he made "sacrifices" by creating jobs and building great structures is an insult in comparison to Captain Khan's massive sacrifice and to all those who have served and lost their lives for this country. It also yet again goes to show how clueless, deluded and ignorant Trump is. I strongly suggest that in addition to the Constitution, he should also get a dictionary and look up the definition of the word "sacrifice". The other point here is the fact that Trump called out Khizr Khan's wife, Ghazala Khan and claimed that she probably didn't say anything because she wasn't "allowed" to say anything once again shows his ignorance and makes him look extremely insensitive. His disrespect and tactlessness towards a family, and most importantly, a mother who lost her son for this country only further highlights the fact that he is not capable of being a fit leader for this country. He spoke of the problem of radical Muslim terrorists but you can't be so ignorant (or maybe you can) as to judge an entire race and an entire religion by what a handful of them have done. In doing so, you're disrespecting all the Muslims who exist peacefully in this country and condemn everything these radicals do. As a Muslim who believes in freedom of religion and peace in the world, I am extremely offended by Trump’s remarks.
- Rida Abbasi, 26, from Mesa
If this interaction has taught us anything, it’s that not only does Donald Trump carry problematic and exceedingly prejudiced views, he also has very minimal social tact. Instead of responding to Khizr Khan’s criticism that Trump had never made any real sacrifices in a mature way, Trump pouted and made vague claims about sacrifices he had made. Regardless the sacrifices that Trump subsequently listed are far from true and not even close to touching the magnanimity of sacrificing your life for your country. He further went on to defend himself and his policy of refusing Muslim immigrants by saying that the radical Islamic terrorists were the reason his son was killed anyway. The most childish statement he made was when he turned his attention to the irrelevant detail of Ghazala Khan not speaking, callously saying “Maybe she wasn’t allowed to speak.” The statement was made purely for deflection of blame and to be petty. If Trump cannot be mature and eloquent enough to respond to these kinds of accusations, which truthfully are reasonable accusations, then how will he manage to make educated decisions as president rather than just going after people purely for blood?
- Hameedha Shaik
Khizr Khan polarized the nation with his incredibly raw speech at the DNC. His speech urged the country to take a hard look at Donald Trump’s credibility, especially by asking if Trump had even read the constitution. What was perhaps the most moving portion of his speech was when he asked Trump directly if he’d made any sacrifices for this nation, the way Khizr’s son did when he died in the army. Every news outlet awaited Trump’s response, and as predicted, unapologetically Trump stood his ground and felt his sacrifices were equally as large. Building towers and granting jobs, he said, were his sacrifices. This has become quite a media circus, and I think it’s easy to lose sight of the original point of Khizr Khan’s speech. We cannot allow bigotry, arrogance and fear to lead our nation. We should not, as American Muslims feel scared to exist in our home country, apologizing for the acts of others. Instead, we should be recognized as equal citizens with every right to be here as anyone else. We live amongst each other as honest and contributing members of society, and that is what Khizr Khan so eloquently proved at the DNC.
- Aminah Shakoor, 21, from Tempe
Khizr Khan’s speech broke ground because it was one of the few times
AUGUST 2016
3
the American media highlighted a story which portrayed the Muslim community in a positive light. Unfortunately, a growing number of individuals believe that being Muslim and being American is mutually exclusive. However while there is usually a media frenzy if a person who identifies as Muslim or is of Middle Eastern descent commits an act of terrorism, what goes largely unaddressed is the growing anti-Islam sentiment. This negative portrayal of Muslim-Americans causes them to be the victims of discrimination, violent crimes, and exclusion. There is no better way to overcome stereotypes and prejudice than exposing people to examples that contradict their preconceived notions; the story of Khan’s son does that. One of the most “American” jobs a person can have is to serve in the military. It is difficult to question the patriotism of a person who is willing to risk their life for the country – even if that person is Muslim. Trump’s response chooses to focus on petty details and circumvent the points made in Khan’s speech such as how a ban on Muslims would impact families like the Khans. Trump further asserts that he has made sacrifices and implies that they are comparable. The GOP frontrunner further attempts to discredit a family who has given more to this country than he ever has. No sacrifice he has made will ever compare to the loss of a son. Khans are more American than Trump will ever be.
- Gabi Davenport, 21, from Chandler
When asked why she could not speak during her interview on MSNBC, Ghazala Khan, a Gold Star mother, stated “I cannot even come in the room where his pictures are, and that’s why when I saw the picture on my back I couldn’t take it and I controlled myself at that time.” Words were not necessary and perhaps incapable of describing her unimaginable grief. But everyone felt it. And when a candidate running for the highest office in our great nation attempts to stain the character of a woman who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country, that candidate stains the very principles upon which this country was founded upon. This unprecedented disrespect is precisely the type of behavior that must summarily disqualify such a candidate. This mother, who gave the ultimate sacrifice deserves better. All the parents whose fallen sons and daughters are heroes deserve better. Our country whose timeless principles make it a shining city on a hill should demand better.
- Tanveer A. Shah, Esq.
4
OP-ED
AUGUST 2016
Military vets now serve U.S. with peace activism Nate Terani
I took an oath, for the first of two times, in July 1996, as I was sworn in to the United States Navy. It was an oath that appealed to the better angels of our founding as a nation, protecting the freedoms of religion and speech, among others, engrained within our Constitution. In fact, when any young person joins the U.S. military we all take the very same, solemn oath. But, that oath may not always lead down the path one might assume. Jake Maier is a former U.S. Marine Corps officer and current regional organizer for Veterans Challenge Islamophobia. Regarding his own oath, Maier says, “You swear to protect the Constitution, but in my mind what I really swore to do was protect human rights.” Maier goes on to say, “I swore I would hold myself to the highest standard… I believed I owed that to the Marines I would lead… This belief, this drive, was the crux of my eventual disillusionment with the Marine Corps
and the military in general.” Maier eventually filed to be discharged from the military under conscientious objector status. When asked about his road to activism, Maier explains, “Because I went through an 11-month-long process to become a conscientious objector I was already primed to the injustices of the world.” Maier represents a growing number of military veterans who simply do not accept the prevailing narrative of the powers-that-be and challenge the need for a state of perpetual warfare. As for me, during my time in the military and immediately afterward I never imagined myself becoming an activist, in any form. In my mind, I pictured activists as somehow being un-American and un-patriotic by not supporting the status quo and march towards conflict. Until one day in 2007, when I was attending college in New York, the president of Iran at the time, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was invited to speak on the campus of Columbia University and the campus erupted in protest. Almost all of my fellow student military veterans,
and most of New York City, vehemently denounced Ahmadinejad’s invitation, on behalf of the university president, Lee Bollinger. As I am the son of Iranian immigrants my fellow student veterans expected me to denounce the Ahmadinejad visit, viewing him as a tyrant and enemy of the United States – someone with whom we should be at war, in Iran. It was my wakeup call. After 9/11, it seemed no one was interested in diplomacy any longer; in fact, the Bush Administration refused to engage in talks with Iran and only spoke of potential missile strikes and military action. I was filled with a righteous indignation at the thought of sending another generation of young Americans to their fate in the Middle East simply to perpetuate warfare. So, I spoke out; when the president of the student veterans’ association asked me to do press interviews, counter to my very private nature, I said yes. I went on CNN and Fox News Radio and challenged the status quo, I asked when it became acceptable to exchange missiles instead of words; even if those words are heated and disagreeable, it’s called diplomacy. Then, as I spoke out, I began to hear the voices of fellow veterans echoing
mine in speaking out and I knew I had done the right thing, even if it was unpopular. In 2016, as our war footing in the Middle East reaches its fifteenth consecutive year and Islamophobia and hate speech against the Muslim community reach a fever pitch, military veteran peace activists are more vocal than at almost any other time in our nation’s history. Groups such as Veterans Challenge Islamophobia (for which I am an organizer), VetsVsHate and Common Defense PAC have organized more effectively than ever. The leading proponent of hate speech in 2016, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, has been personally confronted on a continuous basis during his rallies, his speeches, and at his own building, Trump Tower, by a massive movement of military veteran activists seeking to uphold their sacred oaths to support and defend the Constitution and the values therein by denouncing Trump’s hate speech and incitement towards violence against Muslims. According to Jake Maier, “Veterans are stepping up in larger numbers to push back against hate because we’ve realized that the current method of using violence to solve problems does not work… war is not the answer.”
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OP-ED
Cynical Trump takes the low road
by self-interest—he’s the only one that matters. If being the most inclusive, Muslim-hugging guy would have gotten him elected to the presidency, I think Trump would have ended every campaign stop by shouting, “Allahu Akbar!” Rather, influenced by his years of being a “heel” in professional wrestling, throwing insults and chairs all the way to his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame (where he was booed off the stage during his acceptance speech), and seeing how his brainier attempt at presidential politics as a would-be Reform Party candidate in 2000 was also received poorly, Trump cynically decided to go lower than low. That’s the hit-and-run Trump of 2016, the man who told CNBC that despite how badly he is doing in the polls after attacking the Khan family, “I just keep doing the same thing I’m doing right now. And if at the end of 90 days, I’ve fallen short … it’s OK. I go back to a very good way of life. At the end it’s either going to work or I’m going to have a very, very, nice long vacation.” No apologies, no accountability for all the damage he’s done,
in run for presidency
Deacon Ian Punnett
As any reader of this column could tell you (are there any readers of this column?), over the last year I have struggled to understand how to contextualize Donald Trump’s treatment of Muslims, his unrealistic campaign promises, and his abuse of religion (even mine). Every time I think I have made a kind of breakthrough, I remain unsatisfied that I have explained adequately this weird effect that Trump has on otherwise intelligent people. I swear, if Trump claimed that President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were practicing necromancy and raising Muslims from the dead to form an Islamic Zombie Army in a secret lab underneath the Lincoln Memorial, there would be a hundred people posting angry messages at me for not believing it. A smart man—which appar-
ently I am not—would simply despair of any further attempts to deconstruct Trump. Instead, I am going to give it one more try. In my final analysis (for now), I believe that the true core of Trump’s disparaging remarks about Muslims, American Muslim servicemen who sacrificed their lives for our country, the parents of American patriots who happen to be Muslim, as well as President Obama for being the founder of ISIS, is not rooted in racism, or perhaps even bigotry, just good ol’ fashioned cynicism. Does Trump truly believe everything he says? I honestly do not think he does. I also do not think he cares—and that’s the cynical part. Trump does not care if hurtful, even slanderous comments are true, as long as it achieves whatever his fleeting goal is at that moment. Trump is motivated only
AUGUST 2016
Brother Of The
Book Deacon Ian Punnett @deaconpunnett
Rev. Ian Punnett is a PhD student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication/ASU in Phoenix, a seminary–trained deacon in The Episcopal Church, a former nationally syndicated broadcaster and author of “How to Pray When You’re Pissed at God.”
just a cynical man who could not care less about the outcome of his mess because his life is going to be good either way. If Trump wins, his fans will believe it was a fair election. If Trump loses, the system was rigged. It’s because cynicism is contagious that otherwise smart people start saying the dumbest things. This frames the real battle for me. It’s not Republican vs. Democrat, Christian vs. Muslim, White vs. Non-white, it’s Cynicism vs. Wisdom. Cynicism always wants to pass itself off as wisdom. Truly wise people know the difference.
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AUGUST 2016
OP-ED
For teachers,
every year and every child should represent a fresh start
Omaira Alam
I went to two teachers’ colleges, one for undergrad and one for my master’s degree. Both of them were reputable and high-ranking. The first taught me the much-needed basics of teaching and learning, and the second taught me the intricacies of special education over the course of two years. I can honestly say that what I learned benefitted me in immeasurable ways. I have applied the lessons learned in a myriad of ways throughout my teaching career. So what did I learn? 1) Assume nothing. Working with the population of students that our cohort did – at-risk, secondary students with learning and emotional disabilities – Dr. Bello, my adviser and mentor, insisted on us assuming nothing about our students. While this meant that at the beginning of each year – and throughout the year – we read the nine-inch-thick file on the student, that overflowing manila folder was not the means
by which we would define the student. They are in need and we are there to facilitate fulfillment of that need within the context of school. Do not assume that they are going to be horrible or difficult or ADHD or bipolar or any of those ailments simply based on the other teachers’ interactions with the students. Make sure you determine what your interaction is going to be based on this new opportunity for a mutually transformative relationship. Let their file inform your interaction, but not define your relationship 2) Change begins with you. In the classroom management class that we took, we were introduced to many profound concepts and ideas, most of which were surprisingly easy to implement. Our first lesson for the class that has stuck with me through all these years was the idea that if you want your students to behave a certain way, make sure you model that behavior, believe that behavior is the best way to
be, and give ample opportunity for the students to learn it from you. This particular point really resonated with me and I was compelled to reference a verse from the Qur’an in my midterm exam: “Verily, God will not change the condition of the people, until they change what’s in themselves.” (13:11)
It highlighted for me the need to really ensure that if my students aren’t behaving in a way that promotes learning, is my behavior reflecting one who is ready to learn myself? 3) People-first definitions. Dr. Bello insisted on this and I will forever be grateful for this particular lesson. When speaking about a student with a learning disability, we were taught to never say the deaf person, or the blind person, or the handicapped person. This is larger than political correctness. It is larger than being polite. When you refer to a person as someone who has a visual impairment or the student who has learning disabilities, then you choose to define the person by their human-ness and not by their disability. You are forced to look first at what makes them human and then address their disability as one component of their human-ness, not the full package. This simple act helped me see
The Teacher’s
Desk
Omaira Alam Omaira Alam is the Program Director of the
Islamic Teacher Education Program (islamicteachereducation.com). She spent the last year serving as the Education Director on the Noor Academy of Arizona School Board. She holds a master’s degree in special education with a focus on students with emotional and learning disabilities. With almost 20 years of experience in teaching and teacher training, she has presented on topics related to Islamic education in the United States and Canada. Her blog, Black Board, White Chalk (blackboardwhitechalk. wordpress.com), explores traditional and contemporary issues in education. She lives in the greater Phoenix area with her husband, Josh, and their two children who are homeschooled.
my students for more than what they or anyone saw them as: beyond labels and disabilities into a realm of potential and ability. As teachers in Islamic schools and as we gear up to begin a new school year, we need to reflect on these lessons taught years ago. See each child as an opportunity not just for your student, but for you the teacher. May God bless you to inspire every student who graces your classroom with amazing and beautiful things.
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OP-ED
as they go back to school
Celebrate both global diversity and Muslim values all year long Dr. Aneesah Nadir
We are on the Road to Rio! It’s the Summer Olympics in Brazil! Amazingly the Olympics is not only a celebration of champions, it is a celebration of our global diversity and shared values! Allah created us in nations and tribes so that we can get to know one another. We should not have a silo mentality in society. We are part of it. As our young people resume school and go off to college, remind them that they are part of the worldwide community and the American mosaic. Remind them that their presence in their school does make a difference. Their presence gives their classmates an opportunity to get to know them and their Muslim family. Many of their classmates would not know a real Muslim
if they did not have a chance to have your young person as their classmate. When Muslims are in class with young people of other faiths, this provides an opportunity for multicultural exchange and to share our Islamic values, traditions and manners. As students it is their responsibility to be the best that they can be, to demonstrate excellence while also demonstrating humility and gratefulness. Even when classmates and teachers highlight anti-Muslim sentiment, remind your students to argue a beautiful argument, discussing politely. They should also remember that the angels will respond for them if this is not the time for them to respond. They may offer to introduce their teacher to a respected community leader who may be willing to be a class guest speaker. The Islamic Speakers Bureau is well-known for providing guest speakers for classrooms. It is also important for parents
to be involved in the school to let teachers know that you are supportive of your children and their education. From preschool through high school I was involved by reading during story time, sharing about family holidays, serving as a guest speaker and supporting the establishment of MSA (Muslim Student Association) on campus. I always felt it was important for my children’s classmates to see the good in our diversity. Build a healthy self-image by strengthening protective factors surrounding your young people. Teachers and coaches who value diversity and inclusiveness make a huge difference and are a protective factor in young people’s lives. Healthy family relationships, healthy social networks and involvement in the mosque community protect young people from identity crisis, behavioral health issues and the risk of extremism. Parents, you also want to encourage your young person often, and let them know you recognize that it is challenging to be young and Muslim today. Remind them of their young role models during the time of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. The chal-
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Notes
Dr. Aneesah Nadir Dr. Aneesah Nadir is a social worker, published author, speaker, retired social work professor and entrepreneur. She serves as the president of the Islamic Social Services Association-USA headquartered in Arizona. She is an independent associate with LegalShield. For more information contact Dr. Nadir at 480233-6547 or pnadir@legalshieldassociate.com
lenges their young counterparts faced in the early days of Islam were very difficult but they relied on Allah and were able to triumph over the Islamophobia of their day. Involvement in weekend Islamic school, youth group, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts as well as MSA provides valuable leadership skills and social support for our youth. Formal support groups and informal networks like family friends also help parents through these challenging times of raising champions and future leaders! Wishing you and your people a great school year!
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Let kids know they make a difference
AUGUST 2016
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