Company commits to protecting free speech rights, improving internal processes
(BALTIMORE, MD, 12/30/23) – The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed an apology from VistaPrint’s executive team after calling on it and its parent company Cimpress PLC to explain why an online order for banners supporting Palestinian human rights was abruptly declined and refunded without any reason.
In an email Friday evening, company executives claimed their cancellation was not related to the content of the banners and said, in part:
“This was the result of a review process that fell short. We failed to communicate with you about why your order was rejected and, more importantly, we failed to communicate with you to offer solutions to ensure we’d be able to process your order expediently. For that, we apologize. In response to your question, please rest assured that we will be updating our internal processes to improve how we communicate to customers for any order, like yours, that requires additional confirmations or follow-up.”
They also expressed their commitment to “free speech” and will be training their team to prevent this kind of error from happening again.
“Although we believe that VistaPrint staff cancelled the original print order without explanation because of the messaging on the banners, we thank VistaPrint executives for expressing support for free speech and taking the necessary steps to prevent incidents like this, regardless of intent, from happening again,” said CAIR’s Maryland director Zainab Chaudry. “We value partners who embody a concern for our shared humanity, and amidst the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza funded by U.S. tax dollars, Americans are increasingly conscious of ensuring they spend their money in ways that support and promote justice, compassion and freedom.”
Chaudry added, “In the past 24 hours, CAIR has received several offers from businesses to print these banners at no cost or at a reduced price. We thank the community for their support and commitment for a just and righteous cause.”
BACKGROUNDER:
After submitting the “Free Palestine” and #CeasefireNow” banners for printing on December 24, CAIR received an email on December 27 that stated, “[W]e have made the decision not to print these materials.” No further explanation was offered.
The banners, bearing the logos of CAIR and a number of other interfaith organizations, were to be used during a Jan. 10 vigil and rally for the victims of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. The order has since been placed with a different vendor.
In a letter to VistaPrint Friday, CAIR had written in part:
“As a client who has used VistaPrint for our printing needs in the past, we are dismayed and concerned by this news. Oftentimes, companies have guidelines in place to ensure responsible business practices. I am interested in understanding how VistaPrint navigates the balance between corporate policies and the diverse range of views held by its customers.
“VistaPrint bills itself as a reliable and customer-oriented service provider. I am seeking an explanation for your company’s refusal to print banners advocating for Palestinian human rights, as well as your policies and guidelines on denial of service for confirmed orders.”
Until this matter is resolved, our office will use different printers. We will not give our business to any vendors who do not reflect the basic values of free speech and sanctity of innocent life, including Palestinians.”
Washington, D.C., based CAIR recently released new civil rights data showing that it has received a “staggering” 2,171 complaints amid an ongoing wave of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate.
CAIR also released a new paper on the state of Islamophobia leading up to and during the ongoing attacks by the far-right Israeli government against Palestinians in Gaza.
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 Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected], CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]