(WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/1/19)– The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned racist and white supremacist incidents at two universities in Arizona and at an African-American-owned restaurant in Mississippi.
In Arizona, the white supremacist group Patriot Front reportedly posted stickers at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus and at Grand Canyon University’s Phoenix campus.Patriot Font is known for spreading anti-Semitic imagery on college campuses.
SEE: White Supremacist Group Plasters ASU, Grand Canyon University Campuses with Stickers in Recruitment Push
In Mississippi, an African-American-owned restaurant in Hattiesburg, Miss., was vandalized with a racial slur and a message that read, “You [sic] not welcome”.
“There is definitely a sharp increase in the influence of white nationalist ideology popping up throughout our state. This should be a concern to all vulnerable communities and also serve as a call to authorities to closely monitor the activities of such groups,” said Imraan Siddiqi, executive director of CAIR’s Arizona chapter (CAIR-AZ).
“We condemn these acts of racism and white supremacy and urge political leaders in Arizona, Mississippi and nationwide to speak out against the growing bigotry that inevitably results such incidents,” said CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ayan Ajeen.
Ajeen said CAIR has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Hate Crime Charges for Harassment of Vermont Migrant Group
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-AZ Executive director said Imraan Siddiqi, 480-704-3786,[email protected]; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ayan Ajeen, 202-774-0770, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]