On Wednesday, Dec. 4, the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) and Legal Aid at Work will hold a press conference in San Diego to announce the filing of a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner on behalf of Lauren Gaw, a registered nurse who was unlawfully terminated for her political activities.
The complaint asserts that Ms. Gaw’s termination by the Outpatient Surgery Center of La Jolla (Surgical Care Affiliates, LLC) on Feb. 14, 2024, violated California Labor Code §§1101 and 1102, which protect employees from employer retaliation based on political activities. Ms. Gaw was allegedly suspended and terminated for displaying stickers on her water bottles supporting Palestinian liberation.
WHAT: Press Conference Announcing Complaint Filed With California Labor Commissioner on Behalf of Lauren Gaw
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 12 p.m. PT
WHERE: 7710 Balboa Ave., San Diego
WHO:
- Summer Ismail, Community Organizer, CAIR-SD
- Dina Chehata, Esq., Civil Rights Managing Attorney, CAIR-LA
- Laura Alvarenga Scalia, Esq., Staff Attorney, Legal Aid at Work
- Lauren Gaw, Registered Nurse and Plaintiff
LIVESTREAM:facebook.com/CairSanDiego
From January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69 percent increase over the same period in 2023.
SEE: New CAIR Data Shows Anti-Muslim, Anti-Palestinian Hate Remain Elevated in First Half of 2024
Earlier this year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints.
Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil liberties, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelk adi@cair.com; CAIR-SD Community Organizer Summer Ismail, sismail@cair.com ; Legal Aid at Work Vice President of Strategy Kevin Clune, kclune@legalaidatwork.org; Legal Aid at Work Digital Communication Specialist Savannah Kuang, skuang@legalaidatwork.org