CAIR Calls on Ub of Baltimore to Investigate Allegations of Religious Discrimination Against Muslim Graduate

The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is calling on the University of Baltimore to launch an independent investigation into serious allegations of Islamophobic discrimination, retaliation, and institutional negligence reported by a former Muslim student.

The former student, who is a visible and practicing Muslim woman, has submitted a detailed account to CAIR outlining a troubling pattern of discriminatory behavior and bias she says she endured over the course of her studies from 2023 to 2025. The allegations include:

A faculty member singling her out in class due to her religious attire and making mocking references to her faith, including asking if she was “from nobility”.

A classroom slide presentation listing “terrorist bomber” as a job “done in the name of religion”, displayed while the woman was the only visibly Muslim student present.

Verbal and nonverbal mistreatment, including being ignored in class, muted on Zoom, and subjected to different standards than her peers.

A failure by the university to provide reasonable accommodations for her disability.

The complainant informed CAIR that she received notice from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) that while she had provided enough details to warrant an investigation, the office’s ability to pursue the matter was hindered due to —raising grave concerns about access to federal oversight.

“This complaint paints a disturbing picture of systemic Islamophobia, bias, and indifference toward student wellbeing at this campus”, said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “If these allegations are true, the institution not only failed to protect one of its students, but it also allowed abuse to continue unchecked—while reportedly shielding those responsible. As a public institution, this university has a legal and moral obligation to ensure all students—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—can learn in an inclusive, equitable, and safe environment. We are monitoring this case, and will continue to advocate for accountability and justice for this graduate and any other current and former students facing similar challenges”.

In its letter to the university’s President Kurt Schmoke, CAIR is calling on the University of Baltimore to:

Launch an independent, transparent investigation into allegations of discrimination and retaliation.
Publicly account for the 18+ month delay in resolving the complaint in violation of university policy.
Review and reform its policies to ensure compliance with civil rights protections on religion, race, gender, and disability.
Publicly commit to protecting all students—especially those from marginalized communities—from retaliation when reporting bias.
Hold accountable any faculty or staff found responsible for discriminatory actions, regardless of rank or retirement status.

The university has been requested to respond within 14 business days outlining specific steps administration will take to address these concerns.

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

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