(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/5/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today joined King Khalid Mosque, Inc. and members of the Raleigh community in welcoming both Shaw University’s reported decision to negotiate the reopening of the King Khalid Mosque and the Raleigh City Council’s decision to table the school’s request to rezone parts of campus property until May.
At a meeting of Raleigh’s city council last night, Shaw University’s request to rezone the land on which the King Khalid Mosque stands was tabled for a month so that the school could negotiate a resolution regarding the closed mosque with concerned community members.
If the land had been rezoned, the mosque could have replaced with high-rise buildings as part of a property sale. The mosque has been closed to the public since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. While it reopened other religious buildings, the mosque remained closed despite protests from the Muslim community. The university agreed to enter negotiations with the Muslim community after last night’s council meeting to reopen the mosque.
In a statement, King Khalid Mosque, Inc. attorney Nigel Edwards said:
“We sincerely thank each and every person who has contributed to the success of last night. These last several months have been a struggle. The results of yesterday’s meeting truly reflect the level of progress our efforts have produced. We are happy with the decision of President Dillard to engage with us. We look forward to meeting her soon.”
In a statement, CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, Esq. said:
“We thank the Raleigh City Council for its decision to delay a vote on Shaw University’s rezoning request, and we welcome Shaw University’s reported intent to negotiate the full reopening of King Khalid Mosque. We also applaud attorney Nigel Edwards and the King Khalid Mosque for their perseverance throughout this situation. We hope the negotiations go well and result in the mosque’s reopening as soon as possible, God willing.”
Last week, CAIR and King Khalid Mosque, Inc. urged community members to attend the council meeting in support of the mosque CAIR previously called on community members to urge Shaw University to reopen the mosque.
SEE: Community Advisory: CAIR to Join Town Hall on Effort to Reopen Mosque on North Carolina’s Shaw University Campus
Last month, CAIR, King Khalid Mosque, Inc., and concerned community members called on the Raleigh City Council to reject Shaw University’s attempt to rezone the property on which the mosque stands.
SEE: Raleigh Community Calls on City Council to Halt Shaw University’s Attempt to Rezone School Property, Potentially Sell Campus Mosque
Also last month, CAIR and King Khalid Mosque, Inc. called on community members to sign its action alert urging the Raleigh City Council to stop the university from rezoning the mosque. Over 600 community members signed the action alert.
SEE: Action Alert: Call on Raleigh City Council to Deny Shaw University’s Attempted Cash Grab to Rezone the King Khalid Mosque
Last month, CAIR urged community members to sign its action alert urging Shaw University to reopen the mosque.
SEE: Take Action: Urge Shaw University to #ReopenMasjidKingKhalid
In February, CAIR sent a letter to Shaw University President Dr. Paulette Dillard urging her to reopen the mosque.
SEE: CAIR Sends Letter to Shaw University President Asking School to Reopen Mosque
In January, CAIR called on Shaw University to reopen the mosque and expressed support for Muslims in Raleigh who protested the university’s refusal to do so.
SEE: CAIR Calls on North Carolina’s Shaw University to Re-Open Mosque, Expresses Support for Raleigh Muslim Community
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Attorney Nigel Edwards, [email protected]; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected], CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]