The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today expressed concern about racial stereotypes used in a now-deleted social media post by Owasso, Oklahoma, police.
A Facebook post by the Owasso Police Department promoting a blood drive used phrases and images referencing an episode of the “South Park” TV program showing a cartoon image of Black and Brown men wearing red as members of the Bloods street gang. That post sates: “We won’t jump you in.” The post was later removed and a city statement said it “does not represent the culture and values of the City of Owasso or the Owasso Police Department.”
In a statement, Veronica Laizure, CAIR Oklahoma Executive Director, said:
“We are deeply troubled by the use of racially-charged imagery and language in what should have been a simple and inclusive call for community service. This kind of messaging, even if intended humorously, reinforces harmful stereotypes about minority communities and undermines trust in public institutions—especially law enforcement.”
Laizure emphasized that public safety agencies must be held to the highest standards of accountability, cultural competency and equity in their communications and community engagements.
She said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
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 mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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CONTACT: Veronica Laizure, CAIR Oklahoma Executive Director, vLaizure@cair.com, 405-430-9877