SHOCKING ASSAULT: Muslim Twins Brutally Attacked and Stripped of Hijabs in School Hate Crime

Muslim Students Targeted in Connecticut School Hate Crime Investigation

A physical altercation at a Connecticut middle school has resulted in hate crime charges after twin Muslim sisters were allegedly assaulted and had their hijabs forcibly removed. The incident at the Connecticut middle school has sparked broader conversations about religious discrimination in schools and the adequacy of protections for Muslim students.

On March 3, 2025, a confrontation occurred in the girls’ locker room at Wallace Middle School in Waterbury, Connecticut. According to the Waterbury Police Department, a 12-year-old student targeted twin sisters—both Muslim and hijab-wearing—during gym class at Wallace Middle School, Connecticut. Investigators allege the student grabbed the girls from behind, forcibly removed their religious head coverings, and physically assaulted them.

The Waterbury Police Department stated in a public announcement released on March 23, 2025 that their investigation determined the altercation was motivated by religion and/or ethnicity, meeting Connecticut’s legal definition of a hate crime.

This incident has raised significant concerns about safety in Connecticut middle schools, emphasizing the need for enhanced protective measures.

The physical injuries were more severe than initially reported. One sister suffered a black eye and facial bruising, while the other received a concerning laceration across her neck from what reports describe as an unidentified sharp object. While authorities initially classified these injuries as “minor,” both girls required hospital treatment according to advocacy groups who have been working with the family. This episode underscores the pressing issues of safety for students in Connecticut middle schools.

Such incidents in Connecticut middle schools highlight the urgent need for policy reform to protect students and prevent discrimination.

This case raises further awareness about the experiences of Muslim students in Connecticut middle schools.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations’ Connecticut chapter (CAIR-CT) has been vocal about the incident, sharing evidence of the injuries and providing support to the family. The organization has characterized the attack as “brutal” in public statements and social media posts.

These developments serve as a crucial reminder of the need for proactive measures in Connecticut middle schools to foster an inclusive environment.

Legal and Disciplinary Response

The attention to incidents in Connecticut middle schools is prompting discussions on better support systems for affected students.

Stakeholders are calling for improvements in Connecticut middle schools to enhance student safety and support.

These ongoing issues signify broader challenges within Connecticut middle schools regarding the treatment of students from diverse backgrounds.

The 12-year-old accused of the assault now faces significant legal consequences. Authorities have issued a juvenile court summons charging the student with both first- and second-degree intimidation based on bigotry and bias—the statutory terminology for hate crimes in Connecticut middle schools. A second student, aged 13, was also implicated in the incident but has been referred to a diversionary program rather than facing criminal charges.

The case raises complex questions about how hate crimes are addressed when the perpetrators are minors, a topic that has gained increased attention in recent years as schools grapple with incidents of bias-motivated bullying.

School officials have conducted their own investigation in cooperation with law enforcement. The Waterbury Department of Education has officially classified the incident as bullying in Connecticut middle schools and claims to have implemented disciplinary measures, though specifics have not been disclosed due to the ages of those involved.

Interim Superintendent Darren Schwartz addressed the situation in a public statement, noting that while they don’t consider this part of a widespread problem, they view it as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring students are safe and respectful of one another.

The district has also announced the implementation of additional safety protocols at Wallace Middle School, though details about these measures have not been made public. Educational experts note that transparency about such protective measures is crucial for restoring community trust following hate-related incidents.

History of Harassment Alleged

The March 3 incident appears not to have been isolated, according to CAIR-CT and the victims’ family. Farhan Memon, chair of CAIR-CT, has stated that the twin sisters had endured months of taunts and threats leading up to the physical assault. The sisters, who began attending Wallace Middle School in October 2024 and speak limited English, had reportedly been subjected to repeated verbal abuse because of their religious identity in their Connecticut middle school.

Memon told reporters that since this incident, CAIR-CT has heard from many parents of Muslim children in Waterbury who have reported that their children have also been bullied, particularly cases where girls or women wearing hijab face harassment specifically for their religious attire.

These statements contradict the school administration’s characterization of the incident as isolated rather than systemic. According to CAIR-CT, the school failed to provide adequate communication to the family and did not take sufficient steps to ensure the girls’ safety despite reported previous incidents of harassment.

Ultimately, the response to this incident will reflect on how well Connecticut middle schools can adapt to the needs of all students.

Educational advocates note that students with limited English proficiency may face additional barriers when reporting bullying or harassment, potentially allowing situations to escalate before receiving appropriate intervention.

Community Impact and Broader Implications

The incident has resonated throughout Connecticut’s Muslim community and sparked discussions about Islamophobia in educational settings. Multiple parents have now come forward with similar accounts of religious-based bullying in the Waterbury school system, challenging the district’s framing of the situation.

Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo issued a statement reaffirming his department’s commitment to investigating bias-related incidents and fostering a safe environment for all students.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in addressing religious discrimination in public schools across the United States. Researchers have documented an increase in anti-Muslim incidents in educational settings over the past decade, pointing to the need for more comprehensive approaches to religious literacy and anti-bias education.

Community leaders are now calling for systemic changes within the Waterbury school district, including enhanced cultural competency training for staff, clearer protocols for addressing bias-related incidents, and more proactive approaches to creating inclusive environments for students of all religious backgrounds.

As the legal process moves forward, advocates continue to emphasize the importance of both accountability for this specific incident and broader reforms to prevent similar situations in the future. The case serves as a reminder of the essential role schools play in protecting students from discrimination based on religious identity and the serious consequences when these protections fail.