Gwinnett Woman Thanks Police for Cultural Sensitivity

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - A local mother said police went above and beyond to be culturally sensitive when they responded to her car accident.  Now, her post about the exchange has been shared on Facebook more than 100,000 times. 

Zanub Rizvi said she was rear-ended while on her way to a religious gathering on November 29. 

Gwinnett Police officers arrived and immediately asked Rizvi if anyone was injured.  Rizvi told the officers her mother-in-law's neck was hurting and opened the door for them to examine her.  Rizvi said that is when the officers noticed her mother-in-law's full Islamic attire.

"He seemed a little taken by surprise and he [said], 'I don't want to be disrespectful, ma'am.  Is it OK if I check your neck?'  Rizvi recalled.  "He was just so gentle and so sweet and he understood that we are of a different culture."

Muslim women follow strict rules about interacting with male strangers. 

Rizvi said she appreciated their extra effort so much that she wanted to share the story on her Facebook page, especially in light of all the negative stories out there about police officers and the current environment surrounding Muslims in America. 

"I just thought I would spread something nice," she explained.  "I just had no idea how far it would spread.  I had no idea that so many people would share it." 

The post has opened up a dialogue about Islam and Rizvi said she was taken aback by how many people have reached out to her to learn more.

"I'm really touched that people messaged me and say, 'I don't know anything about Islam.  Can you please explain it to me?'  And it means a lot to me," she added.

Rizvi hopes to thank the officers for their kindness in person.