CAIR-NY Condemns Racial Incidents in Riverhead School District & Orange County School Districts
(New York, NY, 9/20/2023) — The New York Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today condemned alleged racist taunts targeting Black student athletes in two separate incidents.
The first incident involved two Riverhead High School and Middle School students who reportedly taunted a Black family with racial slurs and gestures at a football game earlier this month. The alleged behavior is being investigated by the Riverhead School District.
SEE: Riverhead High School and Middle School rocked by racial incident at football game
The second incident took place at a girls varsity soccer game in Orange County. Student spectators in the stands allegedly hurled racist remarks toward the Black female goalie. The alleged incident is being investigated by the Orange County School districts.
SEE: Warwick, Minisink investigate report of racist incident at game aimed toward female soccer player
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said:
“We condemn the alleged racist incidents targeting our Black youth in school settings. Every student deserves an environment free from discrimination and hate. We call upon the Riverhead School District and Orange County School Districts to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all their students, regardless of their race or background.”
She added, “These incidents should serve as a teaching moment, and warrant the incorporation of anti-bias curriculum for all students. Traumatic events like these linger with youth for a lifetime, and we wish them strength in overcoming these unfortunate events.”
She added that CAIR-NY and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging white supremacy, anti-Jewish hate, anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and all other forms of bigotry.
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CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; Rabea Ali, rali@cair.com