(BALTIMORE, MD, 8/26/19) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on Maryland State Senator Johnny Ray Salling (R) to apologize for writing “get rid of this illegal know [sic]” on a social media post calling for Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) to be removed from office.
View Post: https://tinyurl.com/SallingPost
“Regardless of personal views and biases, elected officials have a responsibility to conduct themselves impartially and to demonstrate that they can model tolerance and inclusivity for all of their constituents,” said CAIR Director of Maryland Outreach Zainab Chaudry. “Senator Salling should apologize for his post or resign from public office.”
She said CAIR is also calling on the Maryland Republican Party to repudiate Salling’s comment.
Last week, CAIR acknowledged disciplinary action against a Baltimore City worker who is no longer employed by the city after making racist, anti-Semitic posts on social media.
SEE: CAIR Acknowledges Disciplinary Action Against Baltimore City Employee for Racist, Anti-Semitic Posts, Calls for Community Healing
The Washington-based civil rights organization has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority communities since the election of Donald Trump as president.
SEE: CAIR Urges Probe of Bias Motive for Vandalism of Memorial to 1919 Massacre of African-Americans in Arkansas
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.
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CONTACT: CAIR Director of Maryland Outreach Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062
