Plans by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to expand its private school in Northern Virginia are being met with protests on two fronts.
People who live near the Islamic Saudi Academy off Popes Head Road say they fear extra traffic on the two-lane roadway. Others claim the 25-year-old academy teaches hate and promotes violence.
“There is an institution operating in our community right now which is raising the next generation of terrorists,” says James Lafferty of the Virginia Anti-Shariah Task Force.
It’s a startling accusation girls’ school principal Faridah Turkistani denies.
“If you have a statement like that wouldn’t it be better if you come to the school, verify it for yourself, look at the books? Ok?” said Turkistani. “Come, look at the books, look at the teaching. Visit the classroom.”
The Fairfax County Planning Commission has recommended the county’s Board of Supervisors approve the school’s plans to construct a new building on its campus. Lafferty made his comments during the hearing.
Supervisors say they will make a decision at their next meeting August 3.
