Gabriella Ferlita
A teacher has been fired for disrupting Muslim students’ prayers.
In a video that recently went viral, the Floridian practitioner appeared to interrupt those engaging in prayer time and allegedly called it ‘magic’.
The footage appeared to see the unidentified member of staff at Franklin Academy in Pembroke Pines, Broward County, stepping on the hands of teenagers while they prayed on mats.
Three teenage schoolchildren could be seen in the video reciting Islamic prayer while calm music was on in the background before a member of staff stormed into what looked like a PE room.
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Despite the staff member barging in on them and blowing her whistle at them, the students remained calm and continued with their prayers.
The teacher appeared to address the students: “Hold on this is my office, and you’re doing all this magic?
“I don’t know what’s going on over here, I believe in Jesus so I’m interrupting the floor,” she continued.
“And why in my office? Who told them to come in here?”
The TikTok user who posted the video, called @gawpu, wrote: “I literally don't even believe what happened to me is real.”
The video has racked up over 1.1 million likes on the platform, while 14.2k people have shared the clip.
Franklin Academy, which operates in several locations across the state, released a statement saying they do 'not tolerate discriminatory behaviour.'
“Franklin aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural and racial understanding and respect,” the school said in a statement to Local 10 news.
“We not only look for our student body to develop these traits but for our faculty and staff to exemplify them as well.
“While we do not discuss personnel matters, we can share with you that the teacher in question is no longer a member of the Franklin Academy staff.”
The Pembroke Pines location, where the incident was alleged to have been carried out, is a 'free Public Charter School' which looks after children in grades K to 12.
UNILAD has contacted Franklin Academy for comment.
If you or someone you know are experiencing anti-Muslim hate, racism or discrimination, contact TELL MAMA who measures and monitors anti-Muslim incidents on 0800 4561226 or email [email protected]. In an emergency, always call 999.