Activists coming together after two Muslim girls attacked at middle school in Waterbury

WATERBURY, CT. (WFSB) - Activists are coming together after two Muslim girls were attacked at Wallace Middle School in Waterbury.

The parents of the victims met with school leaders Wednesday, with the main focus being on disciplinary action for the attack.

“The aggressors involved are no longer going to be at the school. They’ve been disciplined to the highest level possible by Waterbury School System,” said Farhan Memon of the Connecticut Council on American Islamic Relations.

The assault sent both victims to the hospital bloody and bruised. It allegedly happened after two weeks of bullying.

“This had been an ongoing issue. They had been ridiculed and mocked by fellow students,” continued Memon.

He said that the Friday before the attack, a music teacher was made aware of an incident but didn’t report the bullying. He is calling the incident a hate crime.

“The formed the intent to say were different than you so we’re going to hurt you,” he added. “They’re not the only ones. These girls are not the only ones bullied.”

12-year-old Sumaya Syed spoke out for her fellow Muslim sisters. She goes to the school but didn’t witness the ambush.

“I saw some pictures of their bruises. I was shocked because they shouldn’t be doing that. I want them to be friends not argue and fight,” she said.

She says that her sister and cousin were attacked for their Islamic beliefs as well. The sixth grader just started wearing her hijab and is nervous.

“It makes me sad because I don’t know why they’re coming from Muslims. I want everybody to treat everybody the same,” she continued.

CAIR says that moving forward, they want to protect Muslim students.

They’re willing to work with Waterbury Public Schools on training and safety plans moving forward.

As for the twin girls, a safety plan is set for them and they’ll return to school next week.

Copyright 2025 WFSB. All rights reserved.