Senator Dave Min Outraged By Unrelenting Hate Incidents, Condemns Racist Attacks at High School Basketball Game

Irvine, CA — Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) released the following statement in response to the rise in hate incidents throughout Orange County and in light of recent attacks against Portola High School student during basketball game in Laguna Hills: 

“No student should be subject to racism or hate, whether it's on the court or in the classroom. It’s that simple. As a person of color and as a father of three kids, my heart breaks for the Portola students and their parents, who have to deal with the disgusting and hateful statements directed at them at Laguna Hills High School.

But as a legislator representing Orange County, I have to also be honest about what we're seeing here: a clear and alarming trend in our region. This incident was by no means unique. Whether it's racist comments at Board of Supervisor meetings or Nazi banners hung from our highway overpasses or a Ku Klux Klan rally, hate is on the rise, and it's unfortunately unfolding in schools across Orange County. I am outraged that there are those in our community that stand by and watch this happen, or even worse, actively abet or even participate in this hate.

My message to you all is that THIS IS NOT WHO WE ARE, and this does not reflect the values of Orange County. The racist comments made at the recent basketball game, like all racist and hateful statements, are despicable and I unequivocally condemn them. But we must do more than just denounce hate. If our communities are serious about making real changes, we must do more and demand better for our schools. Disciplinary action is one thing, enacting local policies that create community building and stronger inclusion practices is another. It’s time for Orange County to get serious about doing the work and take a hard look about why these racist incidents keep happening. We can no longer turn a blind eye as the rest of the nation watches in disgust.”

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Senator Dave Min represents California State Senate District 37, which is located in Orange County and includes the communities of Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Costa Mesa, Foothill Ranch, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, North Tustin, Orange, Portola Hills, Silverado Canyon, Tustin, and Villa Park.