Today, CAIR-Philadelphia strongly condemned an individual apparently representing the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) who allegedly engaged in a racist rant while removing signage installed as part of an art installation raising awareness about the towns and people across Palestine before and after the 1948 Nakba in which Palestinians were expelled from their homeland.
The individual who appears to be wearing a UPenn ID is recorded on video and can be heard engaging in a rant as he removes the art installation. The man reportedly says, “All started by Hamas…[unintelligible] people do not understand…Right? They are all half-a**ed backwards people.”
Watch: UPenn Representative Allegedly Removes Art Installation, Makes Racist Remarks
In a statement, CAIR- Philadelphia executive director Ahmet Tekelioglu said:
“We call on University of Pennsylvania administrators to immediately remove this individual from any contact with UPenn community members. Such racist language is unacceptable and should be condemned by all. UPenn administration already lost the trust of many students, faculty, and alumni due to its anti-Palestinian, anti-Muslim stances and here is an opportunity for them to restore some of that trust.”
Last month, University of Pennsylvania Police raided a home that houses many Palestine activists, which draw criticism from politicians and activists.
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: Ahmet Tekelioglu, CAIR- Philadelphia Executive Director, atekelioglu@cair.com; 617-401-5397