CAIR-NJ Welcomes Paramus School Investigation of Racist Remarks Made by Students

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 6/3/2020) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a Paramus school investigation into racist remarks made by students that circulated widely on social media.

The comments included calling black protesters “monkeys,” comparing black families to cockroaches, and mocking Floyd’s last words of “I can’t breathe.”

Paramus Superintendent Michele Robinson denounced the messages in a statement published on Saturday, calling them “disrespectful and humiliating.”

SEE: Racist messages shared by N.J. students under investigation by school, police

SEE: https://www.nj.com/bergen/2020/06/racist-messages-shared-by-nj-students-under-investigation-by-school-police.html

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:

“We welcome both the Paramus school investigation, and Superintendent Michele Robinson’s denouncing of the racist remarks made by students.  

“CAIR-New Jersey offers free services to help facilitate educational programming for Paramus school students on the issues of racial, cultural, and religious sensitivities in order to help dismantle the apparent bigotry and hatred. If the matter is not address appropriately, our fear is this type of racist commentary could lead to hate crimes and violence against Black Americans and minorities in general.” 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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