The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a recent court decision that allows a civil lawsuit to proceed against Max Steiner. The lawsuit, brought by CAIR-SFBA and partner law firms Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger and Palo Alto Legal Group, stems from Steiner’s assault and battery on a 13-year-old girl and her companions in October 2023.
The incident occurred when the young girl and her companions were creating a “Free Gaza” message on Scribble Hill along Highway 1 in Sand City. Steiner confronted and attacked the girl as she recorded the incident on her phone. In response, CAIR-SFBA and partner law firms filed a civil suit against Steiner on behalf of the three young women, alleging battery, assault, and civil rights violations.
SEE: CAIR-SFBA and Partner Law Firms Sue Max Steiner for Assault and Violation of Free Speech
Steiner, who was criminally convicted on July 26 for misdemeanor battery for the attack, attempted to dismiss this civil lawsuit using California’s anti-SLAPP statute, which protects against lawsuits that stifle free speech. However, in late July, the court rejected his claim, allowing the case to proceed, pending appeal.
SEE: Order Denying Defendant Max Steiner’s Specials Motion to Strike (ANTI-SLAPP)
SEE ALSO: Scribble Hill dust up goes to trial
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Senior Civil Rights Attorney Jeffrey Wang said:
“We are pleased by the court’s decision. This case is about more than just an attack. It’s about ensuring that everyone has the right to express their views freely and peacefully, without fear of violence or intimidation.”
Earlier this year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints. Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
In an update in July, CAIR said the surge in anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate that erupted last October continues in the first half of the 2024.
CAIR-SFBA is committed to protecting the civil rights of all people, regardless of religion or ethnicity. We urge anyone who experiences discrimination or violence to contact our office at 408.986.9874 for legal assistance.
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, ladam@cair.com, 408.498.577