(ST. LOUIS, MO, 7/29/2021) – The Missouri Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MO), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, today condemned racist intimidation of and an assault on a Missouri health official who defended a new mask mandate to combat COVID-19.
St. Louis County Health Director Dr. Faisal Khan said he was targeted by a mob gathered at a St. Louis County Council meeting. Khan said members of the mob called him a racist slur, mocked his accent and shoulder-bumped him.
One councilman asked Khan: “Can you tell us why you’re called Dr. Khan? Are you a physician in the United States?”
SEE: St. Louis health director says he faced racism in COVID-19 mask debate
“Such racist and xenophobic abuse of a health official seeking to protect the community from a deadly pandemic must be condemned and repudiated by all community leaders and public officials,” said CAIR-MO Board Chair Yasir Ali.
He said the American Muslim community and CAIR are standing in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR 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: CAIR-MO Board Chair Yasir Ali; 314-722-6116; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; CAIR National Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;