(WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/6/19) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for the firing of all the West Virginia government workers who participated in a Nazi salute photograph.
In the photo, employees of the state’s Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety pose making the racist Nazi gesture. The employees were posed under the text, “HAIL BYRD!” ”• an apparent reference to a salute once offered to the Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. Three people have already been fired and 34 have been suspended without pay.
SEE: 3 fired, 34 suspended in WV investigation of Nazi salute photo
West Virginia Government Employees Suspended After Giving Nazi Salute
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/west-virginia-nazi-salute-photo_n_5de96627e4b0d50f32b0bb68
W.Va. Officials Announce Suspensions Over Photograph of Corrections Trainees Giving Nazi Salute
“This blatant act of anti-Semitism and hate must be repudiated by relevant authorities through actions, not just words,” said CAIR Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “We call for the swift firing of all those involved in this disturbing incident.”
The Washington-based civil rights organization has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.
SEE: CAIR-Colorado Calls for Disciplinary Action After Muslim MSU Denver Students Harassed While Praying
CAIR Calls on State Department to Dismiss Senior Adviser with History of Anti-Muslim Views
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 Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]