Mistaken Identity or Islamophobia? Muslim Teen 'Extremely Hurt' After Someone Mistook Her Name as 'Isis' in Yearbook
Bayan Zehlif, a senior at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California, said she was "hurt" when she saw the school's yearbook identified her in one photo as "Isis Phillips," a former student who has already transferred to another school.
Zehlif, who can be seen wearing a hijab in one the image above, has expressed fear of a backlash from her classmates and, as a result, will not be returning to school for now. She's also exploring possible legal remedies.
In a news conference as per CTV News, Zehlif revealed that she was "hurt" by her schoolmates' reactions to the issue. She said that some students attacked her on social media while others cheered when a sign expressing support was destroyed by some other students, according to Heavy.
"Seeing the yearbook really hurt, but seeing my classmates go against me like that hurt even more," she told CTV News at the offices of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Anaheim, California.
In addition, a member of the yearbook team told the NY Daily News that it was an "honest mistake" and Zehlif's reaction was "out of proportion."
"She's being a racist against herself," the student added.
However, the Los Osos Yearbook Committee had earlier apologized in an official statement on Twitter.
Zehlif is afraid of backlash and has decided not to return to school for now. Her relatives from Jordan will be coming next week for her graduation and she hopes she can attend the ceremony.
The Muslim teen discovered the typo on Saturday, May 7. She shared the image along with her sentiments on social media where many were quick to show their support. A Twitter user shared their friend experienced a similar incidence due to bullying from a member of the yearbook staff. Meanwhile, another user said he had experienced anti-Arab slur but did not take action, something which he regrets and advised Zehlif not to make the same mistake.
The school's principal, Susan Petrocelli, has taken to Twitter to "sincerely apologize" and assure the public that the error will be corrected and the incident investigated.
