(BALTIMORE, MD, 3/10/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned racist threats targeting Black middle school students in Frederick County, Md. CAIR also condemned a racist message on an electronic street sign in Hagerstown, Md.
Three students at Middletown Middle School in Frederick Co. allegedly posted threatening, racist images on Instagram and Snapchat. The threats were reportedly aimed at Black students at the school, and the images featured what appeared to be firearms, although these were later found to be fake by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. The students have been suspended, and the school district condemned the incident.
SEE: Police identify 3 Middletown Middle students in racist social media posts; parents plan rally against racism
Frederick County middle school students posted racist threats against Black classmates, investigators say
Maryland State Police are searching for the person or persons who altered an electronic street sign to display a racial slur in Hagerstown. Police received a report about the message after midnight on March 9. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Maryland State Police at the Hagerstown Barrack at 301-766-3800.
SEE: Racist message posted in electronic street sign in Hagerstown, say state police
“Racism and bigotry must not be tolerated in schools or in any part of society,” said CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “We urge communities in Maryland and nationwide to come together to oppose the rising tide of hate.”
She said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and white supremacy.
SEE: CAIR Condemns ‘Slave Auction’ at N.C. School, Calls on School Board to Offer Anti-Racist Curriculum
CAIR-San Antonio Welcomes Resignation of Police Chief Who Used Racist N-Word Slur
CAIR-Missouri Welcomes Charges in Racist Vandalism Targeting Black History Mural
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, [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 Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]