Hajur El-Haggan: Arab-American teacher placed on leave over pro-Palestinian email

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has filed a discrimination complaint on behalf of Hajur El-Haggan, a Black Muslim Arab American teacher in Maryland, after she was placed on administrative leave by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) for her email signature, which included the phrase "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."

The complaint alleges discrimination based on race and religion and violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act.

According to the complaint, El-Haggan was informed that her email signature violated MCPS's Employee Code of Conduct. However, similar conduct by her colleagues, including political and social justice quotes supporting Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ rights, allegedly faced no enforcement of the same policy. El-Haggan offered to remove the controversial phrase from her signature, but the county maintained her administrative leave.

CAIR held a news conference, emphasising the unequal treatment of El-Haggan compared to her non-Muslim, non-Arab colleagues. El-Haggan, expressing her commitment to advocating for Palestinians' peace and freedom, highlighted the discrimination she believes is coming from the county rather than her administration team, co-workers, or school.

The complaint asserts that MCPS's actions violate El-Haggan's rights and calls for measures to protect Arab and Muslim educators from discrimination. El-Haggan, seeking to return to teaching, urged the county to address the situation promptly. The case has gained attention amid discussions about free speech, discrimination, and the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.