Auckland student dressed in Arabic men's robe stirs controversy with fake bombing stunt on culture day

SHAH ALAM - An Auckland student sparks outrage after staging a fake bomb attack during Avondale College’s culture day, with videos of the stunt garnering millions of views on TikTok.

The incident involved the student dressing as an ‘Islamic terrorist’ and pretending to carry out a suicide bombing in the school’s library, raising concerns about Islamophobia and the harmful impact of such acts.

International news portal New Zealand Herald reported Avondale College principal Lyndy Watkinson condemned the incident, emphasising that the school’s commitment to diversity and rejected any behaviour that causes harm or promotes bullying.

“Avondale College rejects any kind of behaviour which bullies, harasses or causes others to feel unsafe.

“If an occasion arises where a student does not meet these expectations our response is likely to include disciplinary action alongside restorative and educative work,” the article read.

The stunt, which has garnered over two million views, demonstrates a student walking into the library dressed in a white headscarf and thawb, a traditional long robe, while shouting ‘Allahuakbar.’

He then threw a backpack and ran out, imitating a suicide bomber.

Laughter could be heard from students in the room, who seemed aware that the act was staged.

The videos, first posted on July 2, quickly went viral, with one clip titled ‘First ever culture day and this happens’.

The phrase ‘Allahuakbar,’ which translates to ‘God is greater’ in Arabic, is commonly used in prayer but has been misrepresented and stereotyped in association with terror attacks.

The portrayal of the stunt sparked widespread criticism for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Muslims.

The school’s Board presiding member Dave Erson clarified that the event happened several months ago and was addressed according to the school’s policies and the law.

“All matters were dealt with fully at the time in accordance with the law and school policy, including disciplinary, restorative and educative actions,” he reportedly said.

The stunt reignited conversations about the discrimination Muslim communities face in New Zealand.

A recent study conducted by Massey University lecturers Dr Fatima Junaid and Dr Shemana Cassim revealed that over half of New Zealand's Muslim population has experienced some form of discrimination.

The study, titled ‘Muslims' Experience of Inclusion, Discrimination, and Islamophobia in Aotearoa NZ,’ highlighted the troubling impact of stereotyping, particularly in schools.

“In our research, we found that the media was one of the key factors in presenting the incorrect stereotypes.

“We also found that high school students were mostly likely to be targeted in relation to Islamophobia. This would not come as a shock to many, but perhaps validates the worries of many Muslims,” they said.

The lecturers warned that even seemingly innocent jokes could contribute to deeper issues of exclusion and racism.

They emphasised that research shown that humour was often a tool used in cases of ostracism, racism and discrimination, with such ‘jokes’ often minimising the real harm they inflicted.

Junaid and Cassim stressed that education was crucial in preventing these incidents, and they said that the responsibility should not rest solely on Muslim students to correct these wrongs.

“Teachers and staffs too have a responsibility here to model and foster compassion and kindness for all. To Muslim youth, don't let such events get to you,” the article added.

The incident added to ongoing concerns about Islamophobia in New Zealand, highlighting the need for more proactive efforts to address discrimination in schools and beyond.