(WASHINGTON D.C., 9/8/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned a decision by the Arkansas Historical Commission to deny the town of Fort Smith’s request to remove a Confederate flag display.
Earlier this week, the commission reviewed its first historical preservation waiver request since the Arkansas State Capitol and Historical Monument Protection Act was passed. The request came from Fort Smith, where a Confederate flag has been flown since 2001 as part of a historical display. The commission denied the town’s request to remove the display.
SEE: Arkansas history panel denies Fort Smith’s request to stop flying Confederate flag
“It is unacceptable that a town is forced to display the flag of treason and white supremacy that is an afront to all citizens, and particularly to members of minority communities,” said CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison. “We urge the Arkansas Historical Commission to reverse course and grant the waiver request.”
He noted that CAIR has previously called on the Arkansas Historical Board to grant Fort Smith’s request to remove the display.
SEE: CAIR Calls on State Commission to Approve Request for Removal of Confederate Flag Display from Arkansas City
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