Baltimore City Public Schools is celebrating Muslim American Heritage Month, in recognition of the contributions, culture, and experiences of Muslim Americans across the district. At Poly, two student-led groups—the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and the Middle Eastern and South Asian Association (MESAA)—are being highlighted for the ways they foster community, cultural learning, and dialogue among students.
MSA began three years ago, founded by a student who has since graduated and now attends Duke University. “We wanted to create this club as a community for all Muslim students at Poly,” said Omar Hiba, current MSA president. Hiba, who joined the club as a freshman, emphasized the importance of connection. “You need a community of other like-minded individuals.”
MESAA later grew out of MSA. Khizra Ehsan, MESAA president and Poly’s Student Government Association president, said the club was created to reflect the school’s student population. “We had a good number of students who are from South Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds, so I said, ‘Let’s start a club for them,’” she explained. Meetings provide space for students to learn from one another and share personal experiences. “I’m Pakistani myself, and when students ask me, ‘Pakistan? Where?’ that’s where the conversation starts.”
Both clubs focus on creating a safe, inclusive space for learning and community. Meetings explore the cultures and traditions of different countries through discussion, student presentations, and shared experiences. “We discuss the big events, the food, and what life is like there,” Ehsan said. The clubs are open to all students. “This is literally for everyone. We want others to learn and understand, not just members of our ethnic groups.”
“The most recent country we focused on was Sudan,” Hiba added. Along with discussion and learning, students organized a fundraiser to support people impacted there.
MSA also works to support students’ religious needs at school. The club has advocated for changes to their designated prayer space, giving students a private place to pray during the school day. “We provide a room where students can pray by themselves or with a group so they don’t feel ashamed for their religious beliefs,” Hiba said. As a result of their suggestions, the school relocated the room to a larger space and added things to the room such as curtains for student privacy. The group also worked with teachers to ensure the process is respectful and discreet. “Some students were hesitant to ask for a pass,” he explained.
Hiba encourages schools to make these accommodations as low-key as possible. “If a student doesn’t want it to be obvious, it should be a private interaction between the teacher and the student,” he said. “Passes can also help make sure the space is used appropriately.”
Beyond meetings and events, both clubs emphasize leadership and advocacy. “All it takes is stepping up,” Ehsan said. “You need a purpose and a few people who care. From there, ideas grow.” Students also work to challenge stereotypes and build understanding. Hafsa Abonti, a club officer, shared, “Just because we practice a different faith doesn’t mean we aren’t similar.”
The students stress that being Muslim and American go hand in hand. “Being Muslim doesn’t make you different,” Ehsan said. Aicha Arabab, another club officer, added, “I am Muslim, but I’m also American. We have different backgrounds and cultures, but we’re still the same in many ways.”
"The students hope their work inspires others across City Schools. “America is a melting pot of cultures and religions,” Ehsan said. “Clubs like these help us understand each other and prevent more division.” Ehsan added a message to fellow students: “Be confident. Be proud of your beliefs and your culture. That’s what makes you unique.”
Through these student-led efforts, Poly students are helping build understanding and connection, highlighting how cultural and religious awareness can strengthen school communities across City Schools.