To the Editor:
After reading a letter to the editor by Shumaila Ahmad, “Hatred and Ignorance,” I was inspired to add my support and thoughts. On the topic of Admed Mohamed, a young Muslim student who was arrested, investigated, and suspended from school for building a clock the school thought was a bomb, I really felt for Ahmed. As a middle eastern that grew up and has permanent residence in Fairfax County, I was very pleased to see that this topic was at least touched on by someone. It would be interesting to see more awareness spread, as being a town newspaper, it would be reaching everyone in the community and be seen by most schools. I have the deepest empathy for Ahmed, as I myself have encountered stereotyped events in which I was at a disadvantage due to the ignorance and hatred felt by others.
Ahmed’s family decided to move to Doha, Qatar, due to the accusations being thrown upon Ahmed and educational opportunities. Even though Ahmed was put through something no 14 year old should go through, all over a clock he did for an assignment, he was still suspended, and punished, for other kids’ “safety.” This was a message to Ahmed and his family making them feel out of place. There should be more implementation and awareness of accepting and understanding differences in ethnicity, culture, race, etc. at a younger age. Learning provides empathy, which results in a good society.
Medina Khatib
Centreville