Muslim advocacy groups and members of the Somali American community in Minnesota have expressed concern over the safety of students after U.S. President Donald Trump shared a video from a kindergarten graduation ceremony at Gateway STEM Academy in St. Paul.
The 14-second clip, originally taken from a livestream of the school’s graduation ceremony, showed several young girls wearing hijabs. Trump posted the video on his Truth Social account without a caption, prompting criticism from community leaders who say the post has intensified anti-Muslim and anti-Somali sentiment online.
Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Minnesota chapter, said the organization’s immediate priority is ensuring the safety of the school’s students, families and staff.
Hussein warned that the president’s decision to share the footage could encourage individuals with anti-Muslim views to target the school or its community. He described the move as disappointing, arguing that children should not become the focus of political controversy in a country that guarantees freedom of religion.
CAIR-Minnesota has urged community members to report any threats or acts of discrimination to law enforcement agencies and civil rights organizations.
Hussein also said the incident reflects what he described as a growing pattern of hostility toward Somali Americans and Muslims in Minnesota and across the United States, noting that such rhetoric has previously led to threats, intimidation and harassment.
Gateway STEM Academy Executive Director Mohamed Ahmed declined to comment extensively on the controversy but said the school’s priority remains the well-being of its students, families and staff. He reaffirmed the school’s commitment to providing a safe, student-centered learning environment focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Malika Dahir, Executive Director of the Minneapolis-based nonprofit Reviving Sisterhood, also criticized the social media post, saying she was shocked that images of kindergarten children had been shared in a way that could expose them to hostility.
She explained that the graduation ceremony had been livestreamed so family members and friends in other locations could participate in the celebration. However, she said many parents have since become anxious after the school’s identity spread widely online, highlighting the growing need for digital safety and efforts to combat hate.
Despite the concerns, both Dahir and Hussein encouraged the affected children to remain proud and confident, emphasizing that they deserve to feel safe, supported and fully accepted as members of the American community.
