(LOS ANGELES, CA – 11/29/2022) – The Greater Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned the disturbing display of racism from a Walmart employee in Moreno Valley, Calif., during Thanksgiving weekend.
On the day before Thanksgiving, a shopper was reportedly asked by a Walmart employee to show his receipt as he was leaving the store. While the shopper was attempting to retrieve it, the employee allegedly blocked him and stated, “You people are always trying to steal.” The employee then proceeded to barrage the shopper with racial slurs.
SEE: SoCal Walmart worker accused of going on racist tirade against customer in incident caught on video
In a statement, CAIR-LA Interim Director for the Center of the Prevention of Hate and Bullying Masih Fouladi said:
“The perpetuation of anti-Black stereotypes by the Walmart employee highlights the deep-rooted racism that remains in our society. The use of racial slurs and discrimination is unacceptable everywhere, but even less so in the customer service industry. We ask that Walmart take the appropriate steps in ensuring that this disturbing incident is not repeated.”
The shopper involved in the incident made a report against the employee but has yet to hear from Walmart regarding the matter.
As a result of the increase in hate and bullying targeting people of faith as well as 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.
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 Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851, eelkadi@cair.com