Preamble

We, the undersigned parents and guardians of students enrolled at Al Noor Academy — with campuses in Sharon and Mansfield, Massachusetts — respectfully submit this petition to the school’s administration and board of directors. We write with a unified and urgent voice: the physical security of our schools must be prioritized without further delay.

Al Noor Academy is a faith-based Islamic institution serving Muslim children and families in the Greater Boston area. As a visible Muslim institution, our school exists within a threat environment that demands serious and proactive security measures. Hate-motivated attacks on mosques, Islamic schools, and Muslim community centers have occurred across the United States — including the May 2026 shooting at a mosque in San Diego, California. We cannot assume our community is immune.

It is our understanding that security vulnerabilities at Al Noor Academy have been identified, documented, and brought to the administration’s attention on multiple occasions by concerned community members. Specific, actionable improvements have been proposed and investigated. Despite these efforts, critical measures remain unimplemented. This petition is our formal request that the administration act decisively.

Our Requests

We respectfully request that the administration take the following steps as soon as possible:

1. Commission a Professional Vulnerability Assessment

Engage CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) or a qualified security consultant to conduct a comprehensive assessment of physical vulnerabilities at both the Sharon and Mansfield campuses. CISA offers free assessments to houses of worship and affiliated organizations. This assessment will provide the documented foundation needed to prioritize improvements and support grant applications.

2. Apply for Available Security Grant Funding

Substantial grant funding exists specifically for institutions like ours. We request the administration formally pursue the following programs in the next available application cycle, expected Summer 2026. The school should also sign up for OGR email alerts at mass.gov/info-details/sign-up-for-emails-from-the-office-of-grants-and-research to be notified the moment applications open.

• FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) — Up to $200,000 per location for physical security hardening of at-risk 501(c)(3) nonprofits, with a maximum total award of $600,000 per organization. With two campuses, Al Noor Academy could be eligible for up to $400,000 in combined funding. The next application round is expected Summer 2026 via a Notice of Availability of Grant Funding (AGF) on the OGR website.

• Massachusetts Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program — Up to $60,000 per location for faith-based and nonprofit institutions facing elevated threat levels. Administered by the Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research. Also expected to open Summer 2026.

• Massachusetts Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program (CNSPGP) — A match grant program providing funding to contract security firms, helping organizations cover the cost of professional security personnel. Also expected Summer 2026 through OGR.

3. Implement Previously Identified Security Improvements
The following measures have already been investigated and proposed. We request they be formally adopted as priorities and implemented without further delay:

• Replace front entrance plexiglass doors at both the Sharon and Mansfield campuses with laminated safety glass rated for forced-entry and ballistic resistance.

• Install security window film throughout both campus buildings to prevent glass shattering during an attack or explosion.

• Review and strengthen visitor access control protocols at all entry points.

• Implement any additional improvements identified through the vulnerability assessment.

Closing Statement

We entrust the education and daily care of our children to Al Noor Academy. With that trust comes a reasonable and non-negotiable expectation of safety. These requests are not extraordinary — they are standard measures that many schools and faith-based institutions have already adopted. Funding mechanisms exist to help make them possible.

We ask that the administration present a formal response and action plan to the parent community within 30 days of receiving this petition. We stand ready to assist, advocate, and support in any way we can. The safety of our children depends on action — not delay.

By signing, I affirm my support for the above requests and my identity as a parent or guardian of a current Al Noor Academy student.