CAIR Press Releases

CAIR Supports West Virginia High School Student Targeted by Confederate Flag Backlash

(WASHINGTON D.C., 7/19/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed support for a West Virginia high school student facing apparent backlash for challenging racism at her school. 

Skyla Nelson, a student at East Hardy High School in Baker, W.Va., believes a proliferation of Confederate flags at her school is a form of backlash for her investigation into the use of the n-word by students. 

SEE: Confederate flags pop up on West Virginia high schoolers’ cars after fellow student calls out use of the N-word 

https://www.rawstory.com/confederate-flag-2657692945/

“Anyone seeking to challenge racism and other forms of bigotry should be supported, not harassed with symbols of treason and hate,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “School officials must act to defend the student who is apparently being targeted by bigots and ensure a safe and welcoming learning environment.” 

Hooper noted that earlier today, CAIR called for “appropriate disciplinary action” for at least two University of Rhode Island students allegedly involved in distributing a racist TikTok post depicting stereotypes of Black people. 

He added that Washington, D.C., based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy and all other forms of bigotry.    

Hooper noted that earlier today, CAIR’s New Jersey chapter condemned an alleged antisemitic incident targeting aa synagogue in Deal, N.J. 

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, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com