(WASHINGTON D.C., 3/18/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for the dismissal of a professor at the University of Montana over reported anti-Muslim and racist comments.
The professor is stepping away from his current classes for the rest of the semester following student backlash over racist and anti-Muslim remarks he made. In texts posted online, the professor reportedly used the n-word, made disparaging comments about Muslims wearing “towel wraps,” and made other racist remarks to his ex-wife, who is Black. In a video also posted online, the professor is reportedly heard calling his daughter the n-word.
The university launched a Title IX investigation into the professor’s remarks, but decided it was not a workplace issue. The professor is expected to return to classes next semester.
SEE: UM professor steps away from classes following racist remarks, expected to return
“The racist and Islamophobic remarks reportedly made by the professor outside of school reveal deeply bigoted views,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “Black and Muslim students clearly cannot trust that they would be graded or treated fairly by a professor who has expressed such hateful views.”
He noted that CAIR previously condemned the professor’s comments.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Racist and Anti-Muslim Incidents in Mont., Ark., Utah
Hooper said the American Muslim community and CAIR are standing in solidarity with all those challenging systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
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 National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com