Investigation Continues After Fight At North Penn HS

TOWAMENCIN, PA — An investigation is ongoing into a recent fight at North Penn High School last week, which local nonprofit leaders say was fueled by racism and Islamophobia.

The May 4 incident involved a Muslim teen and two other students who ripped off her hijab during the altercation, according to CAIR-Philadelphia, the group representing the teen, and videos of the fight that spread across social media.

The teen, junior Sanaa Beaufort, was suspended by the school, according to CAIR. CAIR argues she was targeted specifically due to her ethnicity.

“This attack against Ms. Beaufort, and the violent racism and Islamophobia it displays, is unacceptable," Timothy Welbeck, an attorney for CAIR, said in a statement. "The North Penn School District must act swiftly and decisively to combat it. The District should immediately cancel the suspension it gave to Ms. Beaufort."

Both Towamencin Township Police and the North Penn School District are investigating.

"Although our investigation is not yet complete, it is apparent we could have done a better job in helping the student retrieve her hijab and support her during the situation," the district said in a statement regarding the incident. "For this, the North Penn School District sincerely apologizes and resolves to move forward in a manner in which this is not repeated. Each year we dedicate many hours to help our staff and students grow in cultural proficiency, but we know we have much more work to do in this extremely important area."

Specifically, there are concerns with how the district handled the aftermath of the assault. Students protested in front of the school Thursday as video footage circulated.

"The family is especially distraught that after the attack, their daughter was made to walk through school halls without her hijab and the police’s initial questioning was accusatory against her," Welbeck said.

A meeting on racial and cultural issues was held with students on Friday, during which "disciplinary procedures, due process, and student's rights" were also addressed.

No suits have been filed, but CAIR says it is providing legal representation for Beaufort.