(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/4/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today condemned an anti-Asian attack on a student in Maryland and the suggestion by a New Hampshire state representative to use a false racist narrative to promote secessionist views.
In Maryland, a student at Johns Hopkins University was assaulted by a woman who used racist, anti-Asian language against the victim and a friend during the attack. A suspect was detained but not arrested because she appeared to be in “a behavioral health crisis.”
SEE: Johns Hopkins student assaulted by woman using racist, anti-Asian language
Hopkins student injured in attack; suspect used racist language, campus security says
“We condemn this apparent bias-motivated attack and express solidarity with the AAPI community in Maryland and nationwide as Asian-Americans face an increasing level of bigotry,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry.
In New Hampshire, Republican state Rep. Michael Sylvia suggested on social media that using racist stereotypes about undocumented immigrants could help build Republican support for that state seceding from the United States.
In a video chat, Sylvia suggested pro-secession activists take advantage of the false claim that “those dirty Mexicans or Guatemalans or whatever are coming across the border and bringing COVID with them.” Sylvia admitted the false claim is “a bit of nonsense,” but added, “it’s a genuine mood out there, and if we can take advantage of it, why wouldn’t we?”
N.H. House Speaker condemns Belmont lawmaker for proposing racist secession tactics
Rep. says use of racist narrative justified if it serves the cause
“It is beyond unconscionable that an elected official would cynically advocate using false racist narratives to promote the destruction of our nation’s unity,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “This bigoted and hate-filled suggestion should be repudiated by all those in New Hampshire and around the country who respect truth, diversity and national unity.”
He said the American Muslim community and CAIR stand in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
SEE: CAIR-Colorado Welcomes Manslaughter, Homicide Charges for Paramedics Who Caused Elijah McClain’s Death
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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 Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com