Investigation under appeal after attack on 2 Muslim students at the Middle School

Waterbury, CT (WFSB) – An altercation of the school at Wallace Middle School, on March 3, 2025, is being investigated after two hijab students were physically assaulted by colleagues.

The incident, which took place among seven -year -old students, led to minor wounds for the two twelve sisters, who went to the hospital.

No medical care was required for others involved.

Currently, the incident is under investigation by the juvenile division of the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

In response to the incident, the interim Waterbury, Dr. Darren M. Schwartz, announced that the district is pursuing the established disciplinary policy and stressed that the records of the student discipline are protected according to the FERPA (the law on educational rights and family confidentiality).

The attack raised concerns, especially because of the accusations that the attack was motivated by the Arab Student Heritage and the Islamic Faith.

Cair-CT, the Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemned the attack, requesting immediate actions in the school district.

“Schools must be safe spaces for all students, regardless of their religion or ethnicity,” said Farhan Memon, Cair-Cct president. “What happened to these two girls is unacceptable, and the district has a legal and moral obligation to take decisive measures to prevent further injury.”

Cair-CT sent an official complaint to Waterbury public schools, urging the district to comply with the anti-Bullying laws in Connecticut, to carry out a formal inquiry and to develop a supporting plan for student safety to protect the victims.

They also called for increased supervision, classmate adjustments and mental health assistance for victims.

According to Cair-CT, the victims’ parents expressed concern about the lack of communication from the school on the disciplinary actions taken against the perpetrators and the safety of their daughters.

In a statement for families at Wallace Middle School, director Balsamo acknowledged the situation and reiterated the school commitment to encourage a respectful and inclusive environment.

“Any actions concerning individuals will not be tolerated,” said the main balsamo. “Our goal is to create a school culture in which each student feels safe, appreciated and respected.”

The school also intends to hold students’ meetings to strengthen the values of respect, inclusion and kindness.

Meanwhile, Cair-CT pressures the school to report the incident to apply the law, as needed for criminal incidents and to improve their anti-Bellying policies to prevent future discrimination appearances.