California DMV Apologizes for "Unacceptable and Disturbing" License Plate
Controversial License Plate
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued an apology for an "unacceptable and disturbing" personalized license plate that displayed hate speech related to the October 7 attack on Israel. The plate, which was spotted on a Cybertruck, read "LOLOCT7," with "LOL" being an abbreviation for "laugh out loud."
Review Process Failure
The plate was not properly reviewed, and the DMV is taking swift action to recall it. A spokesperson for the department stated that the license plate should not have passed the review process and that many people who alerted the department found it offensive. The department apologized that the plate was not rejected during the review process.
DMV Statement
In a statement, the DMV said, "The use of hateful language is not only a clear violation of our policies but also a violation of our core values to proudly serve the public and ensure safe and welcoming roadways. We are taking swift action to recall these shocking plates, and we will immediately strengthen our internal review process to ensure such an egregious oversight never happens again."
License Plate Owner Notification
The owner of the license plate will be notified about the language on their plate and the recall. The owner has the right to appeal the department’s decision.
Recall of Other Offending License Plates
The DMV will also review its license plate database to identify any other configurations of the offensive language and recall them, the spokesperson said.
Reactions from StopAntisemitism
Liora Rez, executive director of StopAntisemitism, said, "StopAntisemitism was appalled to discover a vehicle with a license plate glorifying the 10/7 massacre of innocent Israelis. With the swift action of thousands of emails from our committed supporters, the California DMV has now recalled the plate."
Conclusion
The DMV’s apology and swift action to recall the license plate are a step in the right direction. However, it is essential to ensure that such a review process failure does not happen again in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the offensive license plate number?
A: The license plate read "LOLOCT7."
Q: What is the significance of the date mentioned on the license plate?
A: October 7, which is the date of the attack on Israel by Hamas militants, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the kidnapping of about 250.
Q: How will the DMV review its process to prevent similar incidents in the future?
A: The DMV will immediately strengthen its internal review process to ensure that such an egregious oversight does not happen again.
Q: What is the next step for the license plate owner?
A: The license plate owner will be notified about the language on their plate and the recall. The owner has the right to appeal the department’s decision.
