Resignation of Diversity Coordinator in South Portland School District Highlights Rising Racial Tensions and Islamophobia
AL ENTESHAR AL ARABI NEWSPAPER
In a recent and unsettling development, Mohammed Albehadli, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) coordinator for the South Portland School District, resigned from his position. His decision, effective as of yesterday, came in the wake of receiving a distressingly racist and hate-filled email late last month.
Superintendent Tim Matheney of the South Portland schools disclosed that the alarming email originated from an individual in a neighboring state. The contents of the email were so profoundly disturbing that they led Albehadli and his family to question their safety, a concern that reverberates deeply within the community.
In a districtwide announcement, Matheney condemned the email, describing it as “the most vile” message he had encountered in his 35 years in education. “The language in the email was deeply disturbing, and of a racist, hate-filled nature,” he stated. The seriousness of the situation has prompted a review by local law enforcement and the district attorney’s office.
The school district’s immediate response has been to prioritize the support of Albehadli and his family, underscoring their commitment to values starkly opposed to the hate expressed in the email. “Our first priority is to support Mohammed and his family, make sure that he knows that messages like this are so incredibly inconsistent with our values as a district,” Matheney emphasized.
Despite the unsettling circumstances, the school community rallied in support of Albehadli, reflecting the esteem and respect he garnered in his role. Matheney acknowledged that Albehadli’s departure represents a significant loss for the district, a sentiment echoed throughout the school community.
This incident in South Portland is not an isolated case but part of a broader and concerning trend. The racial tension and rise in Islamophobia seen in California, as evidenced by recent incidents and escalating hate crimes, are mirrored across the nation. The resignation of a key figure like Albehadli, dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, highlights the pervasive challenge that schools and communities face in combating racism and bigotry.
Albehadli’s experience, unfortunately, reflects a growing atmosphere of intolerance and prejudice, not just in South Portland or California but across the United States. It underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address and counteract these disturbing trends, both in educational institutions and in broader societal contexts.
As these issues of racial tension and Islamophobia continue to surface, they serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for equity, inclusion, and safety for all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs. The South Portland School District’s loss of a valuable member like Mohammed Albehadli is a call to action for communities and educational systems nationwide to reaffirm their commitment to diversity and to actively stand against hatred in all its forms.
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
