The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced that it has sent a letter to Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein urging a public apology and policy changes after the City of Sunnyvale censored Palestinian cultural expression at the Hands on the Arts Festival on May 3.
The Palestine Palette booth, which featured a ceramics activity for children and posters celebrating Palestinian heritage, was shut down following complaints from a small number of individuals opposed to the educational materials. City staff, reportedly at the mayor’s direction, ordered the removal of posters—including a map of historic Palestine—claiming that they were “political.” Booth organizers ultimately left the event, citing censorship and an unwelcoming environment.
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
“We are deeply concerned that Palestinian culture was singled out for censorship at an event meant to celebrate diversity. Palestinian history and traditions should be valued and protected, not treated as controversial. We are calling on Mayor Klein and the City of Sunnyvale to apologize to the Palestine Palette organizers, reaffirm their commitment to inclusion, and ensure that cultural representation is supported equally for all communities moving forward.”
CAIR-SFBA’s letter calls on the City of Sunnyvale to issue a public apology, review its event policies, and provide staff training to uphold principles of fairness, inclusion, and free expression.
The Sunnyvale City Council is scheduled to meet tonight at 7 p.m., where community members are encouraged to speak out against the discriminatory treatment of Palestinian culture.
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, ladam@cair.com