CAIR-MA 2024 Civil Rights Report Shows Escalation of Hate Crimes and School Violence Against Muslims in Massachusetts

BOSTON, MA (May 8, 2025) – The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA) today released its 2024 Civil Rights Report, documenting a dramatic rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes, school violence, failures in police response, and workplace harassment.

Titled “Demanding Justice: Nearing a Decade of Legal Advocacy,” the report is based on 209 requests for legal help received by CAIR-MA in 2024

Key findings: 

• 28 hate-related incidents were reported to CAIR-MA, a 65% increase from 2023, marking the highest number in CAIR-MA’s 10-year history. Yet, none were charged as hate crimes by law enforcement.
• The level of violence was also the greatest ever reported, as victims were physically attacked, spat on, stalked, threatened, and had their property vandalized.
• Violence in public schools also increased, including a student who was poisoned and another who needed surgery for injuries, as well as multiple instances of teacher misconduct and neglect.
• Muslim women wearing hijab were disproportionately harassed and assaulted. 

“This report paints a harrowing picture of rising Islamophobia in Massachusetts,” said Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, Esq., Executive Director of CAIR-MA. “When Muslim families face violence at school, on the job, and in the streets—and when the system fails to respond—our basic right to safety is in jeopardy, and we are in crisis.”

Barbara J. Dougan, CAIR-MA Legal Director, said, “Imagine being a victim who has been traumatized and even injured, yet the police conduct only a cursory investigation that ignores the perpetrator’s motive.  Too often critical information affecting public safety in Massachusetts is being overlooked, ignored, or even withheld by law enforcement.  We call on the state’s leadership to join our demand for even-handed policing that does not ignore or disfavor Muslim victims.”  

The report also highlights CAIR-MA’s legal casework, public education efforts, and policy advocacy.

June 10 Legislative Briefing: CAIR-MA will hold a legislative briefingat 1 p.m. on June 10, 2025, at the Massachusetts State House, where it will share the stories behind these statistics and present policy solutions addressing anti-Muslim hate crimes, school bullying, and education discrimination.  

CONTACT: Barbara J. Dougan, Esq., CAIR-MA Legal Director, (781) 281-9992, bdougan@cair.com; Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, Esq., CAIR-MA Executive Director, (617) 862-9159,  tamatul-wadud@cair.com.