(NEW YORK, NY, 9/11/2010) -- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called for federal hate crime charges to be brought against three men who allegedly painted a racist slur on a mosque in that state.

Authorities say the men painted the slur "sand n**gers" and an obscenity on the back wall of the Hudson Islamic Center just after midnight Wednesday. They have been charged with aggravated harassment, conspiracy, making graffiti, and criminal mischief.

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"Federal civil rights charges would send the message that anti-Muslim hate will not be tolerated in our society," said CAIR-NY Board President Zead Ramadan.

Earlier this week, CAIR called on the FBI to investigate a possible bias motive for recent vandalism at a Phoenix mosque site.

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Mosques in California, Tennessee, New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Texas, and Florida have faced vocal opposition or have been targeted by hate incidents in recent months.

CAIR recently launched a national public service announcement (PSA) campaign designed to challenge growing Islamophobia in America.

SEE: American Muslims Speak Out: 9/11 Happened to Us All

American Muslim individuals and institutions are also being urged to review advice on security procedures contained in CAIR's "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

SEE: Muslim Community Safety Kit