(FRESNO, CA, 9/1/2020) – The Central California office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CC) today condemned the reported use of racist slurs against a Merced County teacher during a virtual event.
READ: Merced County school teacher subjected to racial slurs during Zoom call, police say
READ: Atwater Police Department press release
On Thursday, a Black teacher at Buhach Colony High School was subjected to racist slurs during a Zoom classroom event, according to a report.
The Atwater Police Department is investigating the incident as a hate crime and says the perpetrators could also be charged with using a computer network to commit a crime.
Atwater police seek the public’s help in gathering information related to this case. Witnesses are encouraged to call 209-357-6384 and ask for Detectives Vierra and Aguilar.
In a statement, CAIR-CC Outreach Director Sukaina Hussain said:
“We condemn this reported racist attack against a Black educator and welcome the hate crime investigation. Schools should be safe spaces for teachers and students alike, and we must call out any and all racism in our education system. We urge any witnesses to the incident to come forward and help with the investigation.”
Hussain urged community members to report any bias incidents to law enforcement and to CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California’s Civil Rights Department at 916-441-6269 or by filing a report at http://bit.ly/cairsvcccivilrights.
CAIR-CC is an office of CAIR, 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.
END
CONTACT: Outreach and Youth Coordinator Hasna El-Nounou, hel-nounou@cair.com, 916-441-6269
