On March 3, 2025, three 12-year-old Afghan refugee girls were allegedly assaulted by a group of students at Paul Revere Middle School in Houston, Texas. The incident reportedly occurred during lunchtime in the school cafeteria, where approximately 20 students surrounded and attacked the girls, using pencils as weapons. One of the victims sustained severe injuries, requiring hospitalization for four days, and continues to wear a neck brace due to ongoing physical and psychological trauma.
The families of the victims believe the attack was motivated by racial and religious animosity, as the girls were targeted for wearing hijabs and their ethnic background. A video circulating on social media shows two of the girls lying on the ground after the assault. Despite this, the school administration initially refused to meet with the families or facilitate a transfer to a safer environment. An approved transfer was later canceled without explanation.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Houston chapter has condemned the attack and criticized the Houston Independent School District (HISD) for its handling of the situation. CAIR-Houston Director William White stated, “These students came to this country in search of safety and stability—what they endured instead is a complete failure of accountability and compassion”. CAIR has demanded an independent investigation, accountability for those responsible, psychological support for the victims and their families, and the implementation of policies to prevent discrimination and violence in schools.
In response to public pressure, HISD completed the transfer of the three girls to a different school on April 9, 2025. The district stated that disciplinary actions were taken against the identified aggressors in accordance with the district’s code of conduct and advised the victims’ families of their right to press criminal charges.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by the Patoli Law Firm to support the medical and psychological recovery of the victims, highlighting the need for community support in the aftermath of the attack.GoFundMe
This incident has drawn national attention to the challenges faced by Afghan refugees and the broader Muslim community in the United States, particularly concerning school safety and the rise of Islamophobia. CAIR’s annual report indicates that discrimination against Muslims in the U.S. is at its highest levels, underscoring the urgency for systemic changes to protect vulnerable populations.
Credits: The Khaama Press News Agency
