(LOS ANGELES, CA – 1/27/2021) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned the racist slurs directed at a Black high school student during an on-campus basketball game.
In a video captured during a varsity game between Laguna Hills High School and Portola High School on Friday, Jan. 21, at least one student can be heard yelling racist remarks referencing animals, slavery, chains, and cages at Portola player Makai Brown.
SEE: Racist Slurs Directed at High School Basketball Player in Orange County
In a statement, CAIR-LA Deputy Executive Director Masih Fouladi said:
“We firmly stand by Makai and all other students of color targeted by hateful, racist remarks. All students have a right to attend school and participate in extracurricular activities without risk of being bullied or feeling unsafe. While the school has taken the appropriate steps in having the responsible student counseled and disciplined, we strongly recommend that both schools implement an anti-racist curriculum and work towards preventing these incidents from reoccurring.”
As a result of the increase in hate and bullying directed at those of African, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Black, immigrant, Middle Eastern descent, CAIR-LA recently launched the Center for the Prevention of Hate and Bullying to address these incidents more proactively.
SEE: New CAIR-CA Report Shows Highest-ever Percentage of Muslim Students (55%) Feeling Unsafe in School
To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 or click here to file a report.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’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-LA Social & Digital Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 776-1847 or eelkadi@cair.com