Racial 'animus' by MWD board members toward Muslim GM alleged in letter

"When are we going to get rid of those refugees?" and similar remarks detailed in letter sent to Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board Chair

I have learned that on October 18 the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) sent a letter to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) unveiling allegations of racial and religious bias related to the administrative case of Assistant General Manager Katano Kasaine vs. General Manager Adel Hagekhalil.

The letter was addressed to MWD’s Chairman of the Board, Adán Ortega.

MWD’s Board of Directors is overseeing an investigation of a complaint made against GM Hagekhalil by Asst. GM Kasaine for harassment and discrimination. CAIR’s letter alleges that unnamed members of the Board directed racist insults at GM Hagekhalil.

Asst. GM Kasaine's complaint, dated May 27, was reviewed by the Board in a closed session on June 13. The Board voted to place GM Hagekhalil on administrative leave for 90 days, pending an investigation.

After the investigation, his employment status would be determined. However, five months later, the investigation is ongoing, and his leave has been …