The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned a reported anti-Black hate crime targeting a student at the University of California, Irvine, and called on authorities to fully investigate the incident and ensure accountability.
SEE: Teens shout racial slurs, spit on student in hate crime at UC Irvine, police say
According to the UCI Police Department, a group of teenagers allegedly chased, spat on, and shouted racial slurs at an African American student near the Arroyo Vista Housing complex on Feb. 27. During the pursuit, one of the teens reportedly struck the victim with an e-bike, causing injuries including torn skin, bruising, and an infection to the student’s ankle.
Most of the suspects fled the scene before officers arrived, though one suspect was detained nearby. Investigators are seeking additional suspects.
In a statement, UCI’s Black Student Union said the student has since returned home because he no longer feels safe remaining on campus.
CAIR-LA expressed solidarity with the victim and the Black student community, warning that harassment and violence threaten the safety and dignity of students across California campuses.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Legal Director Amr Shabaik, Esq., said:
“This disturbing attack is a reminder that racism and hate continue to endanger African American students and undermine the safety of our campuses. No student should have to fear being chased, assaulted, and subjected to racial slurs simply for existing in their own community.
“University officials and law enforcement must conduct a thorough investigation, hold those responsible accountable, and take concrete steps to ensure that Black students feel protected and supported on campus.”
CAIR-LA urged university officials to work closely with impacted student groups and community organizations to strengthen campus safety measures and address the root causes of racial harassment.
The organization also encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact campus authorities.
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 Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com
