Muslim civil rights group says sincere dialogue is an important step toward repairing harm and rebuilding community trust
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed Baltimore County Board of Education Member Maggie Litz Domanowski’s public apology to Muslim students and families and her commitment to visit a local mosque and engage directly with Muslim communities following mounting public backlash to an Islamophobic social media meme she shared that promoted a false and inflammatory narrative about “Sharia Law.”
SEE: Baltimore County school board member apologizes for sharing ‘Sharia law’ post
SEE ALSO: Baltimore County board member apologizes for social media post deemed ‘anti-Muslim’
WATCH: CAIR Md. Addresses Baltimore Co. Board of Education, Superintendent
On Monday, CAIR called on Domanowski to remove the post, publicly apologize, acknowledge the harm it caused and reaffirm her commitment to the equal dignity and safety of all Baltimore County students or otherwise resign. Domanowski subsequently removed the post.
Domanowski offered the apology at the conclusion of Tuesday evening’s Board of Education meeting after hearing public comments from CAIR as well as other community leaders and allies including Delegate Sean Stinnett, Chair of the Maryland Legislative Muslim Caucus, and Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee Member Shazia Shah.
“Hearing it from your voices and seeing your faces, I understand now,” Domanowski said. “And I am truly sorry.”
SEE: Baltimore County School Board Member Apologizes to Muslim Community
In a statement, CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“We welcome Ms. Domanowski’s apology to Muslim students and families, as well as her commitment to visit a mosque and meet directly with members of our community. A sincere apology that acknowledges harm and is followed by meaningful action is an important first step toward rebuilding trust.
“We appreciate that she listened to the Muslim voices who addressed the Board and expressed a willingness to learn. We look forward to helping facilitate constructive dialogue that deepens understanding of Islam and the diverse Muslim communities the Board is entrusted to serve.
“This moment also demonstrates why speaking out matters. When community members show up, share their experiences and hold public officials accountable, harmful assumptions can be challenged and opportunities for education and growth can emerge.”
CAIR said it is prepared to work with Domanowski, Superintendent Dr. Will Heiser and the Board of Education to facilitate engagement and strengthen religious literacy, cultural competency and protections for Muslim students and families throughout Baltimore County Public Schools.
CAIR has repeatedly warned that the term “Sharia,” which broadly refers to Islamic religious and ethical principles, is routinely distorted and weaponized as a political scare tactic to demonize American Muslims and portray their faith as a threat.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, [email protected], 202-744-7726; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, [email protected], 202-770-6280