Michigan Civil Rights leader condemns violence againt Detroit Muslim

US States News

November 29, 2006

Wednesday 1:11 AM EST

DIRECTOR OF THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL RIGHTS PARKER ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING ATTACK ON DETROIT MUSLIM

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights issued the following news release:
Linda V. Parker, Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR), has issued the following statement on behalf of the Department following what appears to be an anti-Muslim attack of a Detroit man on November 27th:

"The Michigan Department of Civil Rights is again compelled to speak out against any and all acts of hate. According to a press release issued yesterday by the Council On American-Islamic Relations, the men engaged in the violent assault of a Detroit Muslim shouted anti-Muslim and anti-Arab slurs during the attack. Although all acts of violence are unfortunate, targeting victims based on religion and ethnicity has a chilling effect on all members of that community.

On a related note, I am personally alarmed at the recent spike in particularly egregious alleged hate crimes in Michigan. Over the last few weeks Michigan residents have reported several serious alleged hate crimes, including:
- In Van Buren Township on October 23rd, an African American couple returned from a trip to find their residence severely vandalized, including racial slurs and threats spray-painted onto the walls.
- In Grand Rapids on November 11th, an Asian man was beaten and remains in a coma following an incident created by racially derogatory remarks directed at the man and his friends.

While we will leave the investigation of the criminal allegations to local, state and federal law enforcement authorities, the Department will be engaged in victim and community support in the wake of these tragedies. It is our hope that all involved perpetrators are brought to justice, and that residents and leaders in Michigan act quickly to confirm that acts of hate will not be tolerated."

Through the work of the Michigan Alliance Against Hate Crimes, MDCR works to provide resources and training to local law enforcement, community, civic and faith-based organizations who want to help fight hate and intolerance in their community.

In addition, through MDCR's Crisis Response Team, the Department is also available to provide support to victims of hate crime and communities attempting to cope in the aftermath of such incidents.

Individuals, families, agencies or community members in need of
support should call our Department at (800) 482-3604 and ask to speak
to members of our Crisis Response Team.

For more information on the Department of Civil Rights visit the
Department's website at http://www.michigan .gov/mdcr.