(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/26/2019) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a decision by Hampton University in Hampton, Va., to fire nine police officers who posted misogynistic and racist remarks on social media.
SEE: ‘Misogynistic, racist and other offensive remarks’ lead to firing of 9 Hampton University police officers
9 campus officers fired for sexist, racist posts, historically black university says
“When people in positions of power encourage prejudice and discrimination, it sets a dangerous precedent, especially when these individuals have a duty to protect and serve a diverse public,” said CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ayan Ajeen. “Firing these officers was the appropriate action and helps to maintain the high standard we demand of law enforcement officers.”
She noted that this is not an isolated incident, rather a nationwide phenomenon. In June, the Plain View Project released a database that showed police officers posting content that was racist, misogynist, Islamophobic, or otherwise biased.
SEE: Hampton University fires 9 police officers over ‘misogynistic, racist’ posts
CAIR Welcomes Dallas Police Probe of Officers’ Islamophobic, Racist Facebook Posts
CAIR offers a booklet, called “A Law Enforcement Official’s Guide to the Muslim Community,” which outlines basic information about Islamic beliefs that are relevant to law enforcement.
SEE: A Law Enforcement Official’s Guide to the Muslim Community
https://tinyurl.com/CAIRLawEnforcementGuide
The Washington-based civil rights organization has reported an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims, immigrants and members of other minority groups since the election of Donald Trump as president.
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 Communications Coordinator Ayan Ajeen, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787, [email protected]