Houston Residents Demand Action After Middle School Assault

Community calls for safety and accountability following a middle school assault incident.

News Summary

Following an assault on three Afghan girls at Paul Revere Middle School in Houston, community members are urging the Houston Independent School District for increased safety measures. The girls were attacked during lunch by a group of at least 20 students, leading to serious injuries for one of the victims. Families are frustrated with the school’s lack of adequate response and are seeking accountability from school officials. Advocacy groups have stepped in, calling for immediate actions, including school transfers for the victims and an independent investigation into the incident.

Houston Residents Demand Action After Middle School Assault

In Houston, a sense of urgency has swept through the community following a shocking incident at Paul Revere Middle School. A respected advocacy group is pushing for immediate action from the Houston Independent School District (HISD) in response to an alleged violent attack against three Afghan girls that took place during lunchtime on March 3.

A Disturbing Incident

According to the families of the victims, the girls were brutally surrounded by at least 20 students while they were seated at their lunch table. Details of the attack are troubling, with reports indicating that some of the attackers used pencils as weapons, leading to significant injuries. One girl suffered such severe physical harm that she became unresponsive and had to be rushed to Texas Children’s Hospital, where she remained for four days. Now, she finds herself wearing a neck brace and struggling with both physical injuries and emotional trauma.

Targeted Because of Identity

Family members believe the girls were targeted primarily due to their ethnicity and the Islamic headscarves they wear. They view this incident as a case of mistaken identity stemming from typical middle school drama—a harsh reality, yet unfortunately not uncommon in the school environment.

A Lack of Response from the School

Even with the seriousness of the situation, families have expressed their disappointment in how Paul Revere Middle School has handled their requests. They have sought meetings and provisions to create a safer learning environment for their children but have been met with what they claim is inadequate responses from school officials. Initially, an assistant principal tried to intervene during the chaotic lunchroom scene, but many believe that’s not enough.

What’s more alarming is that HISD originally approved a transfer for one of the assaulted girls but later reversed that decision. This has intensified feelings of anxiety and fear for the girls, making their return to the school a daunting prospect.

Community Calls for Accountability

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston) has stepped in, highlighting the need for accountability, compassion, and safety in schools. They have made it clear that they expect schools to seriously address such incidents rather than ignore them.

The advocacy group is demanding several actions from HISD: approval for school transfers for the affected girls, a comprehensive independent investigation into the assault, accountability for those responsible—including school staff, and the provision of ongoing, trauma-informed support for the victims and their families.

HISD’s Response

In light of the incident, HISD has acknowledged the situation but claims that the specifics shared by the advocacy group do not align with the findings of their investigation. They have confirmed that disciplinary measures were taken against seven students identified as aggressors. Furthermore, they stated that the process for transferring the victim is currently in motion.

Community Support and Growing Concerns

Local community leaders, including members of the Houston City Council, have voiced their concerns and urged HISD to prioritize student safety and take responsibility for ensuring such incidents do not happen again. In a show of support for the affected families, a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $155,000 to cover medical expenses, therapy, and ongoing treatment for the students.

Addressing a Larger Issue

CAIR-Houston recently released its 2025 Civil Rights Report, drawing attention to a troubling rise in Islamophobia and advocating for much-needed resources for Muslim students who find themselves facing bullying and discrimination. The group emphasizes that schools must be safe havens for all students, regardless of their background.

As this situation continues to unfold, the Houston community remains watchful, hoping for swift and effective actions that will ensure safety for all students in their schools.