CAIR-NY Welcomes Halal Meal Options for Students at Brentwood Public Schools
Original image by Valerie Boltneva.
(NEW YORK, NY, 8/1/2022)—The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today welcomed the announcement by the Brentwood Union Free School District that it would be permanently offering halal meal options to students in all of its public schools starting in September.
[NOTE: “Halal” is the Arabic word for foods permitted under Islamic dietary laws, which is similar to "kosher" for Jews. Both Muslims and Jews are not permitted to consume pork products.]
The unanimous resolution advocating for the permanent halal meal options was passed on July 20 and led by trustee Hassan Ahmed, who is the first Muslim official elected in Suffolk County. This is the first program of its kind on Long Island and will positively impact the estimated 1,000 Muslim families who live in the district.
Afaf Nasher, Executive Director of CAIR-NY, said in a statement:
“We are overjoyed that Brentwood Muslim students will finally have nutritious meal options at their schools on a permanent basis that will also conform to the standards prescribed by their faith. Good nutrition is a cornerstone of healthy physical and mental development, while dietary purity is essential for observant Muslims.
“By giving consideration to the nutritional and spiritual needs of Muslim children, the Brentwood School District has taken a positive step towards inclusion and made Muslim children feel welcome and accepted as part of the school community. We are optimistic that the program’s low cost and relatively straightforward implementation will encourage other Long Island school districts to follow suit.”
She added that CAIR-NY and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging racial supremacy, religious bigotry, xenophobia, and all other forms of hatred.
Nasher noted that CAIR offers a booklet, called “An Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices” designed to help school officials provide a positive learning environment for Muslim students.
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Legal Director, 646-481-2103, ahmedmohamed@cair.com