(WASHINGTON D.C., 7/19/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed its support for legislation that would rename a memorial currently dedicated to Confederate General Robert E. Lee in Arlington, Va.
CAIR also expressed its support for a request by a Cherokee tribe to rename a North Carolina mountain currently named for a Confederate general.
Last week, Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced legislation to remove the designation of Arlington House, the former residence of Robert E. Lee, as a memorial to him. The legislation was reportedly prompted by a request by the descendants of people who were enslaved at Arlington House.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council passed a resolution on Thursday calling for the highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Clingmans Dome to Kuwahi, its historical indigenous name. The mountain is currently named for Confederate general and North Carolina senator Thomas Lanier Clingman. With the support of the tribal government, activists plan to submit paperwork to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names for consideration.
“Monuments to the traitorous Confederacy are symbols of systemic racism and hate that should not have a place in our society,” said CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison. “We support all efforts to end the celebration of those who waged war on our nation in order to preserve slavery and white supremacy.”
He noted that Washington, D.C., based CAIR has repeatedly called for the removal of Confederate holidays, flags, statues, and symbols nationwide.
SEE: CAIR Calls on Va. Governor to Rescind Appointment of Confederate Statue Defender to Historic Resources Board
CAIR Welcomes Dropping of Confederate Street Names in Virginia City
CAIR Welcomes Newly-Revealed Ban on Confederate Flags in Virginia Cemetery
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: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com