A group of Hmong Americans is calling for the resignation of a school member member in Elk Grove outside Sacramento, CA.
The Sacramento Bee reports a newly formed group called Hmong American Kinship is accusing Bobbie Singh-Allen of “emboldening racial attacks against the Hmong community.”
The dispute goes back to a Facebook post from Singh-Allen in which she described the Hmong clan system as a “controlling and intimidating system used to attack and silence these women,” according to the Elk Grove Citizen.
She accused Elk Grove Mayor Steve Ly and his Hmong clansmen of coming after her.
Singh-Allen recently announced her candidacy for mayor to unseat Ly.
A change.org petition calling for Singh-Allen’s resignation has so far collected about 2,000 signatures.
“I haven’t said anything disparaging to the Hmong community. We have a very diverse school district. I have the utmost respect for all cultures,” Singh-Allen said to The Bee. “My comments are directed at him (Ly) and his associates, and to drag in a beautiful culture and community is a disservice to them. I’m not going to participate in that game.”
Singh-Allen is an immigrant from India.
“The online harassment, the calls from blocked numbers, the bullying, name calling and shaming. I saw that first hand,” she told KCRA3.
Ly has apologized in a written statement sent to the station.
“Over the past few weeks, I have had time to reflect on the disturbing and unacceptable incidents experienced by women in our community. They have spoken out about being harassed, intimidated, and bullied. I believe them and acknowledge their pain. I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering they have endured.”
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