(San Francisco, CA — 11/4/23) – The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) today strongly condemned a hit-and-run targeting an Arab-American Muslim student yesterday at Stanford University.
The incident, which is being investigated as a potential hate crime, took place just after 2 p.m. when a car driven by a man described as a white male in his mid-20s, with short dirty-blond hair and a short beard struck the student. Before striking her, the man reportedly made eye contact with the student and yelled “f*** you people” while driving off.
SEE: Muslim student hit by car at Stanford, incident being investigated as hate crime
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
“This disturbing apparent hate crime at Stanford University underscores the urgent need to address the growing Islamophobia and hatred that have been plaguing our communities, and here specifically putting our students in grave danger. The Arab and Muslim students have repeatedly sought assistance from the University in the last several weeks and remain concerned about the inadequate response that has left them vulnerable. The University must act quickly to investigate this incident and work diligently to apprehend the assailant.
“The victim is currently receiving medical treatment, and CAIR-SFBA extends its deepest support and well wishes to the injured student.
“This shocking incident comes as a stark reminder of the rising climate of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian hate that has been escalating since October 7. CAIR-SFBA is deeply concerned about the alarming increase in hate crimes and discriminatory actions targeting Arab American and Muslim communities. We call on law enforcement authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident and bring the perpetrator to justice.”
Billoo expressed her concerns about the escalating Islamophobic climate since October 7, saying:
“This disturbing hate crime at Stanford University underscores the urgent need to address the growing Islamophobia and hatred that have been plaguing our communities, and here specifically putting our students in grave danger. The Arab and Muslim students have repeatedly sought assistance from the University in the last several weeks and remain concerned about the inadequate response that has left them vulnerable. The University must act quickly to investigate this incident and work diligently to apprehend the assailant.
“CAIR-SFBA is actively engaged in advocating for the rights and well-being of the Arab American and Muslim communities in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. We urge anyone with information about this violent crime to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and their fellow students during this difficult time. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide any necessary support to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable.”
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-SFBA Senior Communications Coordinator Lorrie Adam, ladam@cair.com, 408.986.9874