Statement from Assistant Attorney General Ralph F. Boyd Jr. Regarding the Treatment of Arab, Muslim Americans or Americans of South Asian Descent
WASHINGTON, D.C. Assistant Attorney General Ralph F. Boyd Jr. of the Civil Rights Division released the following statement:
- "The Attorney General has made clear that any act of violence or
discrimination against a person based on the perceived race, religion or
national origin of that person is contrary to our fundamental principles and
the laws of the United States. His statement is a reminder to all Americans
that Americans of Arab or South Asian descent and people of the Muslim faith
were also injured and killed in Tuesday's attacks. In addition, they also
are -- along with other Americans -- involved in relief operations, and
other efforts to alleviate suffering. Any threats of violence or
discrimination against Arab or Muslim Americans or Americans of South Asian
descents are not just wrong and un-American, but also are unlawful and will
be treated as such.
- "As the Attorney General reminded us today, we must not descend to the
level of those who perpetrated Tuesday's violence by targeting individuals
for threats or violence based on their race, religion, and national origin.
To do so would be to grant terrorists a victory they cannot - and would not
- otherwise achieve. We are a great nation; we must treat one another, and
others in a manner consistent with that greatness. Everything we do must
reaffirm and respect the dignity, heroism and sacrifice of those who have
died, lest their sacrifice be in vain."
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