The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today welcomed the recent dismissal of a pastor serving as a volunteer chaplain with the Buena Park Police Department (BPPD) over anti-Muslim posts shared on his public social media account.
SEE: Buena Park police chaplain removed over anti-Muslim reposts on social media
Pastor Don Harbert reportedly reshared posts on his Facebook account that categorized all Muslims as violent and spread false and misleading claims about Islam, including one that stated, “… No matter what any Muslim says to your face about how they do not approve of this carnage it is a lie … Islamists/Muslims are the enemy of every living person that is not Muslim!”
In a statement shared on his personal account, Buena Park Mayor Connor Traut announced last week that Harbert had been terminated from his volunteer position following an investigation into a complaint about the posts filed by the mayor himself. In the statement, he wrote, “Such conduct is inconsistent with the neutrality, trust, and respect required of individuals serving in City-affiliated public safety and ceremonial roles.”
In a statement, CAIR-LA Legal Director Amr Shabaik, Esq. said:
“We unequivocally condemn anti-Muslim hate in all its forms. It is especially concerning when bigotry and hate-based rhetoric are spread under the guise of religion by those affiliated with public institutions, such as law enforcement agencies. Chaplains working alongside public officers should provide spiritual support and guidance rooted in dignity and respect for all people, regardless of faith background.
“When hate in such a public manner is allowed to go unchecked, it erodes public trust and puts the safety and well-being of all our communities at risk. We thank Mayor Traut for his swift action in addressing Harbert’s appalling, hateful conduct on social media and for upholding the values of respect and inclusivity.”
If you or someone you know is the target of hate, click here to contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights department or call (714) 776-1177 (ext. 1).
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
– END –
CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com