- “When its president engages in racist messaging and his colleagues remain silent, what message does that send to Californians of color? What message does that send to defense attorneys, judges, and to the public who are told to trust the system’s fairness?” – Tracie Olson, President of the California Public Defenders Association
SACRAMENTO – The California Public Defenders Association is condemning what it describes as racist and anti-Muslim public messaging by San Luis Obispo County District Attorney and California District Attorneys Association President Dan Dow, after Dow shared posts on social media linking New York City’s newly-elected first Muslim mayor to the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The controversy first surfaced after reporting by the San Luis Obispo Tribune, followed by statewide reporting from the Los Angeles Times. The Vanguard also initially covered the public backlash, calls for accountability, and concerns from legal advocates and community organizations following Dow’s online activity.
The California Public Defenders Association said Dow’s conduct reflects a pattern of prejudice incompatible with his public role as a prosecutor and raises serious concerns under state anti-discrimination law governing prosecutorial conduct.
Read the full story from the Davis Vanguard here.
