CAIR-LA Condemns Racist Attack Targeting Japanese-American Professor in LA County, Welcomes Police Probe
(LOS ANGELES, CA – 5/14/2025) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA)today condemned the recent racist attack allegedly targeting a Japanese-American professor in Montebello, California, and welcomed the investigation by local police.
SEE:
- Elderly Japanese American professor injured in suspected hate crime attack
- Asian American professor who teaches history of racism attacked in possible hate crime
Aki Maehara, a professor at East Los Angeles Community College, reported that he was hit by a vehicle and called a racial slur while riding his bike last month. Maehara said that the driver allegedly swore and called him a racial slur targeting people of Chinese descent, before hitting him with the car. He was reportedly hospitalized with serious injuries, including a concussion and a neck injury.
The Montebello Police Department said they are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime and attempted vehicular homicide.
Maehara reported that the attack may have been premeditated, due to previous harassment and prior threats over his work teaching about the history of racism in the U.S.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We are deeply troubled by this vicious assault targeting Mr. Maehara. This incident is reflective of the hate and bigotry that is on the rise nationwide and demonstrates the important work of educators, such as Mr. Maehara, who teach about the history and implications of racism in America. We commend the Montebello Police Department for its prompt action in investigating this crime and the seriousness it deserves. We look forward to seeing the perpetrator held accountable for this hateful act.”
To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 (ext. 2) or click here to file a report.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com
