(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/8/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, today supported a vote scheduled tomorrow by the Tennessee Historical Commission that could lead to the removal of a bust of Confederate general and early leader of the Ku Klux Klan Nathan Bedford Forrest from the State Capitol.
Commissioners are scheduled to vote Tuesday in a meeting that will be streamed online. His bust was approved by the state legislature in 1973.
SEE: Bust of Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest Faces A Big Vote This Week
Tennessee Historical Commission Meeting – March 9, 2021 – 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM CST or 10 AM EST
Final vote on future of Nathan Bedford Forrest bust up Tuesday
“A decision to remove a statue honoring a racist leader and traitor to our nation would send a strong message of support to all those who value equality and respect for others,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “We urge the Tennessee Historical Commission to do everything in its power to remove this symbol of hate.”
He noted that earlier today, CAIR’s New York chapter condemned an alleged racist attack in Lower Manhattan in which the assailant shouted “F—k you, Mexican.”
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns Racist ‘F—k You, Mexican’ Attack in Lower Manhattan
Also today, CAIR welcomed the suspension of three professors from the University of Southern Alabama (USA) for dressing in racist costumes.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Suspension of Alabama Professors Over Racist Costumes
He noted that CAIR has repeatedly urged the removal of Confederate holidays, symbols and racist laws.
SEE: CAIR Supports Removal of Confederate Statue in South Carolina, Dropping Confederate Highway Name in Virginia
Hooper said the American Muslim community and CAIR stand in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
VIDEO: CAIR Director Nihad Awad Speaks at Unveiling of Black Lives Matter Banner
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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.
END
CONTACT: CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com
