When students at a Morton Grove Islamic school wrote letters recently to Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., he responded in person, visiting the school to talk face-to-face with the youngsters about the concerns they expressed.
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Durbin visited the Muslim Community Center Academy Oct. 12 and talked to some of the elementary school’s students about their letter, which was specifically about the crisis facing Muslims in Rohingya, Myanmar but also about violence against those in the U.S. who practice the faith, according to a school news release announcing the senator’s visit.
In the letter, the students said they were grateful that Durbin seemed to show compassion for those who have been targets of such violence, according to the release.
Durbin talked with the students about violence in Myanmar and other political and cultural issues Muslims in America currently face, school officials said.
“Senator Durbin’s visit to MCC Academy showed our students the power of their voice as American Muslims,” said MCC Academy Principal Habeeb Quadri. “The fact that a United States senator cared to visit them and hear their concerns on issues they care about was a perfect lesson in American democracy at its best.”
Quadri and Morton Grove mayor Dan DiMaria were with the students when Durbin visited.
Kyra Senese is a freelancer.