CAIR-Pittsburgh Condemns Alleged Racist, Islamophobic Remarks of Local Doctor,
Calls for Investigation
(PITTSBURGH, PA, 2/19/2024) – The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh), a chapter of the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the reported Islamophobic and racist statements allegedly made by Dr. Eugene A. Bonaroti, MD, FACS, a Board-Certified Neurological Spine Surgeon with locations in Monroeville, Cranberry, and Washington, Pennsylvania. In a statement, CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed said: “Dr. Bonaroti’s alleged Islamophobic remarks are deeply unsettling. Any Muslim patient under Dr. Bonaroti’s care may have valid cause for concern. The hospitals and surgical facilities that grant him privileges must promptly reassess their association with him, and the medical board needs to be urgently apprised of his bigoted conduct. “Individuals seek medical professionals to enhance their quality of life, not to endure disparagement. Dr. Bonaroti, bound by the oath to ‘do no harm,’ has, through his reported hateful comments, inflicted irrevocable harm.” CAIR Pittsburgh is calling for an immediate investigation by relevant medical boards into Dr. Bonaroti’s conduct. The Muslim civil rights organization also urged the hospitals and surgical facilities associated with him, including UPMC East, Advanced Surgical Hospital, Radiance Surgical Center, Aestique Ambulatory Surgery Center, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, and Gamma Surgery Center, to revoke his privileges. Mohamed added: “Medical professionals take an oath to do no harm, and it is our sincere hope that the medical community will take swift and decisive action to address this unacceptable behavior. Bigotry has no place in healthcare, and patients deserve to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background or beliefs.” “CAIR-Pittsburgh remains committed to combating Islamophobia and ensuring that individuals in positions of authority, including healthcare professionals, adhere to the principles of equality, compassion, and ethical care. We encourage members of the public to report any instances of bias or Islamophobia within the medical field, ensuring that patients receive care without prejudice.” CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understandisding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos. END |
Due to the recent developments in the Middle East and those speaking out at rallies, social media, and other venues, we are reminding our community of their civil rights when dealing with law enforcement.
