When a white supremacist threatened an Iraqi DEI coordinator in Maine, he fled the state

By DAVID SHARP
Associated Press

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A school’s diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator in Maine has left the state for fear of his family’s safety after receiving a threatening, hateful letter from a white supremacist. The attack on Mohammed Albehadli, who came to the United States a decade ago from Iraq, comes at a time as Republicans are stepping up opposition to efforts recruit and retain faculty and students of color. Albehadli said he knows from experience in Iraq that verbal attacks are usually followed by “action,” and he’s not waiting to see what might happen next. Police are investigating whether a crime was committed. The superintendent of South Portland schools said the former DEI coordinator was “an exemplary staff member” who made a “positive impact” on city schools.