For Clock-Building Texas Teen, an Episode of Prejudice Winds Up to a White House Finish
The story of Ahmed Mohamed, 14, and his clock caught POTUS’ notice. (Screen shot from The Dallas Morning News via YouTube)
Texas freshman Ahmed Mohamed’s engineering project should have met with high marks and encouragement from his high school authorities, but instead the 14-year-old Muslim’s creation, a carefully wired clock housed in a pencil case, landed him in handcuffs earlier this week.
However, once news broke of Mohamed’s detainment and three-day suspension, which embarrassingly was sparked by his attempt to show his homemade clock to teachers at MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas on Monday, the teen’s encounter with prejudice inspired a Twitter campaign, #IStandWithAhmed.
Mohamed’s predicament also caught President Obama’s attention, and on Wednesday, the president sent a formal invitation to the budding inventor via Twitter:
Cool clock, Ahmed. Want to bring it to the White House? We should inspire more kids like you to like science. It’s what makes America great.
— President Obama (@POTUS) September 16, 2015
As USA Today reported on Wednesday, Obama wasn’t the only high-profile figure to bolster Mohamed’s cause:
The incident created a storm on social media, with #IStandWithAhmed trending on Twitter. Hillary Clinton tweeted support, and technology and engineering giants also chimed in.
“Having the skill and ambition to build something cool should lead to applause, not arrest,” Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg posted on his Facebook page. “The future belongs to people like Ahmed. Ahmed, if you ever want to come by Facebook, I’d love to meet you. Keep building.”
NASA geologist Fred Calef tweeted: “Anytime you wanna see Mars rovers Ahmed, let me know. #IStandWithAhmed”
The travel website CheapAir.com said it was offering Ahmed a free flight to visit the “NASA center of his choice.”
The White House has invited Ahmed to Astronomy Night at the White House next month, an event that connects students with government scientists and NASA astronauts.
Hopefully this outpouring of goodwill can do something to counter MacArthur High School’s badly bungled handling of the situation.
Watch Mohamed talk about his invention and ordeal in this video posted Tuesday by The Dallas Morning News (via YouTube):
—Posted by Kasia Anderson
Related Entries
- September 1, 2015 Women’s Health Services Take a Hit in Attack on Planned Parenthood
- August 24, 2015 VIDEO: John Oliver Stumps for Federal Equal Rights Law; Outs Candidates for Anti-LGBT Stance
Source: http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/for_clock-building_teen_a_moment_of_prejudice_winds_up_to_a_20150916/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,708,582,853 |
| Stories: | 8,450,744 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
