(DALLAS/FORT WORTH, TX, 5/15/15) – The North Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-DFW) today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate “No Muslims” graffiti sprayed-painted on the seal of Texas Tech Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) as a hate crime.
CAIR-DFW also called for stepped-up protection for Muslim students and staff at Texas Tech.
SEE: 'No Muslims' Spray-Painted on TTUHSC Seal
Following the recent hate vandalism, TTUHSC released a statement, which read in part:
“Our diverse university family is made up of students, researchers, educators and health care providers who make a positive impact throughout our world. . .We will not tolerate such acts, and we are working closely with law enforcement. After authorities investigated the scene, our crew swiftly removed the vandalism."
“We urge law enforcement authorities to treat this type of hate crime with the seriousness it deserves and to act swiftly to ensure the safety of all those on campus who are Muslim or perceived to be Muslim,” said CAIR-DFW Executive Director Alia Salem. “We thank university officials for their prompt action and for their statement of support for diversity and rejection of intolerance.”
She added that CAIR recently called on law enforcement authorities in Baltimore County, Md., to step up protection of a mosque and Islamic school in that county following threats to bomb the school’s bus and to spill “Muslim blood.” CAIR also called on the FBI to investigate the phoned threats as hate crimes.
Salem said the Texas and Maryland incidents are part of a recent spate of hate incidents nationwide targeting Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim.
- SEE: CAIR Seeks Protection for Maryland Mosque and School after Bomb Threat
- CAIR Seeks Hate Crime Probe of Threat to Iowa Mosque
- Video: CAIR Seeks Hate Crime Probes of New Threats to Ohio Mosques
- CAIR: Rhode Island Islamic School Vandalized with Hate Graffiti (Video)
- Video: Massachusetts Muslims Threatened with Murder
She said CAIR is asking Muslim community members report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR’s national Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or civilrights@cair.com or locally at 469-554-0786 or incidents@cair-dfw.org.
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-DFW Executive Director Alia Salem, 469-554-0786, 817-538-8269, asalem@cair.com; or CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com