SOUTHFIELD — On Tuesday, Dec. 6, The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) welcomed the “ethnic intimidation” charge brought against the alleged assailant of a Muslim student in Saline, Mich., who was allegedly called a”terrorist” and punched in the face while walking near his high school.

Police had learned of the attack after being alerted to a video of the incident posted on Facebook. The alleged assailant was arraigned on one count of ethnic ntimidation. If convicted, he faces a maximum of two years in prison and a fine of $5,000.

“We welcome the charge of ethnic intimidation and hope the decisive actions of local police will send the message that bias-motivated attacks will not be tolerated in our state or anywhere in America,”said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid. Walid said he will join with family members of the alleged victim in meeting with school officials to discuss how similar incidents can be prevented.

Because of this and other bias-related incidents targeting Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim, CAIR is urging Islamic institutions and members of the American Muslim community to review security procedures using advice contained in its “Muslim Community Safety Kit,” which can be found at www.cair.com/ActionCenter/CommunityToolKit.aspx.