Professor Aki Maehara, a 71-year-old Vietnam veteran and beloved ethnic studies professor, was violently attacked in what appears to be a targeted hate crime in Montebello, California. As he rode his bicycle home, a driver allegedly shouted racial slurs and intentionally struck him with a vehicle before fleeing the scene. Professor Maehara was left with a concussion, fractured cheekbone, and other serious injuries.

This wasn’t random. Professor Maehara has dedicated his life to teaching about racism and justice. He’s received threats before—this attack may be the result of a long pattern of targeted harassment rooted in white supremacy.

We demand that:

• The Montebello Police Department and the LA County District Attorney's Office fully investigate this as a hate crime and attempted murder, including the possibility of premeditation based on past threats.
• Federal authorities, including the FBI, be brought in if there is evidence of white supremacist involvement or organized targeting.
• Public officials publicly condemn this attack and commit to protecting our educators and elders from hate-fueled violence.

Professor Maehara deserves justice. Not just for himself, but for every community he has taught and stood up for. Sign this petition to make sure this hate crime is not ignored or swept aside.

Photo: NW Asian Weekly