The Modern Language Association issued a statement Monday condemning what it said was a growing backlash against teaching about Islam in U.S. schools.

The New York City-based professional society represents teachers and scholars who study and teach languages. In a statement on its website, MLA said its executive council decided to speak out after witnessing a "sharp rise in Islamophobia" after the recent mass shootings in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif.

"In the United States there has been an upsurge in attacks upon and censorship and harassment of those who, as part of their scholarly work, teach about Islam," the group said.

MLA cited no examples. However, in one widely reported case, a public school in Virginia canceled classes just before December break after receiving threatening messages from people who were upset the school had taught Islamic calligraphy as part of an assignment about world religions.

"The MLA condemns any and all violations of free speech and academic freedom, including those based on race, religious affiliation and ethnicity," the group said. "We especially deplore the firings and intimidation of those teachers who aid in our understanding of Islam." http://bit.ly/1OuXsnH

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