(CANTON, MI, 8/16/2023) – The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today cautioned Michigan Muslims and Muslims from the Toledo, Ohio, area from patronizing a Monroe County orchard due to alleged anti-Muslim harassment by its owner.
The owner of the Erie Orchards and Cider Mill in Monroe County, Mich., which is close to the Ohio border, was recently accused of harassing a Muslim family and was caught on camera saying, “Every Muslim steals from me.” The owner reportedly held the family of five, including their three daughters ages eight, four, and six months old, accusing them of stealing fruit, searched their bags including a diaper bag, and intimidated them by claiming that he called the sheriff’s department on them.
After waiting for law enforcement authorities for 40 minutes – even though the family did not steal any fruit – the family departed the orchard. The family has since obtained private legal counsel and plans on taking legal action against the orchard.
SEE: ‘Every Muslim steals from me’: Owner of Monroe County orchard makes racist remarks toward family: Family is planning civil litigation (WDIV)
https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/08/16/every-muslim-steals-from-me-owner-of-orchard-in-monroe-county-makes-racist-remarks-toward-family/
Ann Arbor family suing Erie Orchard and Cider Mill owner after racist rant against Muslims
https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/muslim-family-suing-erie-orchard-owner-after-racist-rant/
Erie Orchards owner criticized; video shows him making racist remarks
https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/local/2023/08/15/erie-orchards-owner-criticized-video-racist-remarks/70600120007/
“We caution the Muslim community and others of good conscience from patronizing Erie Orchards and Cider Mill due to the alleged bigoted behavior and speech of its owner,” said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid. “There are many other orchards in Michigan where families can pick fruit in a wholesome atmosphere without being subjected to alleged religious profiling and denigration from its owners.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, 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-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid, (248) 842-1418, dwalid@cair.com; CAIR-MI Director of Safe Space Nour Ali, 313-717-4878, nsali@cair.com