WASHINGTON: Pakistani-American academic Atif Qarni has been named as Virginia’s next secretary of education by Governor-elect Ralph Northam.
Northam, a Democrat, has been a voice for inclusiveness and diversity, and his selection of a Pakistani-American has delighted the diverse communities of the state.
Virginia’s diverse communities voted heavily for Northam in Virginia’s gubernatorial election a few weeks ago. Northam, a doctor, will replace his fellow Democrat Terry McAuliffe.
Virginia is home to a vibrant Pakistani-American community, and, in the face of the ongoing immigration debate and political rhetoric around American Muslims, the community has hailed the development as a matter of pride.
Qarni’s elevation to Virginia’s cabinet makes him one of the few Pakistanis who has served in the United States government high-level positions.
Had a great time at Beville Middle School this afternoon announcing one of their very own as our next Secretary of Education. Congratulations Atif Qarni. pic.twitter.com/eeB3tq3wJp
— Ralph Northam (@RalphNortham) December 21, 2017
Currently, Qarni is serving as a Prince William County Public School teacher. He is a Marine Corps veteran. He teaches civics and economics, US history and mathematics at Beville Middle School in Dale City.
Meanwhile, Pakistani-Americans greeted the news of Qarni’s pick as education secretary with a series of congratulatory messages on the social media, describing it as an acknowledgement of the hardworking community’s key role in the state.
Atif Qarni, our Civics teacher, was tapped as the next Secretary of Education for Virginia, by Governor-Elect Northam. This is amazing news for our community and students. Congratulations, Atif! @PWCSNews @RalphNortham @JeremyMcPike @pwcdanica pic.twitter.com/I9oUg8qQaQ
— Beville Middle (@BevilleBobcat) December 21, 2017
Our new Secretary of Education in Virginia will be Prince William County’s own, Atif Qarni. A teacher, a Marine, and an immigrant, Atif is a perfect example of the American Dream. pic.twitter.com/gXdZCfNQVC
— Ryan Sawyers (@RyanSawyersVA) December 21, 2017
Congratulations @atifqarni, the next Sec of Education! @RalphNortham @pwcdanica @VEA4Kids @pwea @PWCSNews #princewilliamproud pic.twitter.com/MeKV8P7mqJ
— Jeremy McPike (@JeremyMcPike) December 21, 2017
“This is great news for our state, recognition of Atif’s qualifications, and delivery of one more promise made by Governor-elect Dr Ralph Northam. On the campaign trail, Gov-elect said he will make sure his cabinet would represent the diversity in Virginia’s population and that is exactly what he is doing,” said Adnan Bokhari, who serves on the Board of Directors of the National Immigration Law Centre.