Reports of Abuse of Arabs Sought
Concerned by what it believes is an increase in harassment of Arab-Americans, the San Diego County Human Relations Commission on Thursday urged victims and witnesses of abuse to report the incidents to the police and the commission.
The commission said in a statement that it “deplores the current series of threats, negative portrayals and attacks against Arab-Americans. In time of war, people tend to dehumanize and demonize the enemy. Arab-Americans are not the enemy.”
Commissioner Marla Strich said several local incidents have been reported by the media since the start of the Persian Gulf War.
The commission is prepared to receive information about such incidents and to refer victims to community agencies for help, she said.
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