(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/8/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, today welcomed the suspension of three professors from the University of Southern Alabama (USA) for dressing in racist costumes.
Photos reportedly resurfaced online showing a former dean of USA’s College of Business and current professor, along with two other professors at a 2014 party. Costumes included dressing as a confederate soldier and the display of a noose and a whip.
Following the release of the images, there was a protest on campus on Friday and an online petition with almost 3,000 signatures calling for the university to fire the three professors.
3 Alabama professors suspended after being seen in ‘racist’ costumes
https://news.yahoo.com/3-alabama-professors-suspended-being-171118846.html
University of South Alabama professors under scrutiny after “racially insensitive” photos resurface
“We welcome the decision to place the professors on leave because it sends the message that expressions of white supremacy by educators are not acceptable and are antithetical to an inclusive learning environment,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.
CAIR recently decried the decision by Alabama’s House Judiciary Committee to reject legislation that would give cities and counties an avenue to take down Confederate monuments.
SEE: Alabama lawmakers vote to keep Confederate monument protections
He noted that CAIR has repeatedly urged the removal of Confederate holidays, symbols and racist laws.
SEE: CAIR Supports Removal of Confederate Statue in South Carolina, Dropping Confederate Highway Name in Virginia
Hooper said the American Muslim community and CAIR stand in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
VIDEO: CAIR Director Nihad Awad Speaks at Unveiling of Black Lives Matter Banner
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