(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/12/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, today welcomed the closure of two North Carolina businesses over racist receipts issued to customers just as lawmakers in that state moved to ban anti-racism teaching in schools.
National chain Smoothie King announced that it closed two of its North Carolina stores and two workers were fired after racist names, including the n-word and “Jackie Chan,” were added to two customer receipts.
SEE: Chain closes North Carolina stores over racist receipts
Also in North Carolina, a last-minute bill – similar to those introduced in state legislatures nationwide — would bar schools from teaching so-called critical race theory (CRT) in schools.
SEE: North Carolina Republicans push bill to limit teaching of race, racism
According to the American Bar Association, “CRT recognizes that racism is not a bygone relic of the past. Instead, it acknowledges that the legacy of slavery, segregation, and the imposition of second-class citizenship on Black Americans and other people of color continue to permeate the social fabric of this nation.”
SEE: A Lesson on Critical Race Theory
“The continued occurrence of racist incidents in North Carolina and nationwide indicates the need to teach young people about systemic racism and white supremacy,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “Banning the teaching of critical thinking on matters of race will only serve to perpetuate bigotry.”
He noted that CAIR recently condemned similar efforts to ban anti-racism teaching in Tennessee, Idaho, Utah, Missouri, and New Hampshire.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Legislative Effort to Ban Anti-Racism Teaching in Tennessee
CAIR-MO Condemns Effort in Missouri Legislature to Ban Anti-Racism Teaching
CAIR Condemns ‘White Power’ Vandalism of Ancient Native American Art in Utah, Bill to Ban Anti-Racism Teaching in Idaho
Hooper said the American Muslim community and CAIR stand in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Asian hate, anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
SEE: CAIR-Kentucky Condemns Racist KKK Threat Placed in Middle School Child’s Backpack
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.
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 Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com