ANNAPOLIS – The Office of the Attorney General has received multiple reports of racist text messages, sent to Black Marylanders from an unknown sender or senders. While there are several versions, each text message, at a minimum, instructs the recipient to “board a bus” to be transported to a “plantation” to work as a slave.
The text messages appear to be part of a nationwide campaign targeting Black people in the wake of the election. Among the recipients were school-aged and college students, causing significant distress.
“It is critical that people who receive these text message report them to their local law enforcement agency to ensure that these hate messages are tracked and to the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division for evaluation,” a statement from the office said. “You can lodge a complaint with our Civil Rights Division using this form: bit.ly/48w8WF7 or with the Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention at nohomeforhate.md.gov .”
“These messages are horrific, unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. If you have been sent one of these texts, I am asking for you to please come forward and report it,” said Attorney General Brown. “I am committed to protecting the rights of all Marylanders. There is no home for hate in Maryland.”