The Malden Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission is aware of the recent incident that circulated on social media involving a student at Mystic Valley Regional Charter School.
According to the postings, a female Muslim student was denied the right to wear a hajib in accordance with her faith. Several years ago, a complaint was filed with the Commission against MVRCS on a similar matter. In this case the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office needed to step in to resolve the issue.
We also learned that a representative of MVRCS did meet with the Muslim community at Malden City Hall to discuss what transpired, but we have not heard what commitments MVRCS has made to change their practices.
There is no place in our community for intolerance and discrimination based upon one’s religious background, OR ANY OTHER PROTECTED CLASS. The mission of the Malden Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission (MHRFHC) is to protect the civil rights of renters, owners and landlords in promoting and protecting fair housing, moreover, the Commission advocates for diversity and inclusion to ensure that all persons in Malden are treated fairly and equally under the law regardless of religious creed, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability, national origin, Veteran or military status, marital, familial or parental status, and any other protected category of persons.
In doing so, the Commission will work with community groups and agencies to promote understanding and work toward eliminating prejudice and intolerance, and to mediate within the community whenever needed.
Information on the Commission can be found on the City of Malden website at: https://www.cityofmalden.org/372/Human-Rights-Fair-Housing-Commission
If you feel that you are a victim of discrimination and need assistance, our website has complaint forms in English, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Simple Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.
If you have any questions about filing a complaint or questions about the Commission, we can be reached at humanrightscommission@cityofmalden.org or by calling (781) 397-7000 Ext 2005.