(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/24/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, today decried a delay in a decision to move a Confederate war memorial in Botetourt, Va. and supported an anti-racist curriculum in Virginia schools.
In Virginia, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors decided to delay a decision to relocate a Confederate war monument outside the county’s courthouse. The monument was built in 1904 and honors the Confederacy. At the public hearing regarding the monument’s future, no one spoke in favor of relocating the monument.
SEE: Botetourt County delays decision on future of Confederate War Monument in Fincastle
Botetourt Board of Supervisors tables decision on moving Confederate monument
Botetourt supervisors table decision on Confederate monument
Previously CAIR supported the removal of the monument in Fincastle, Va.
SEE: CAIR Supports Removal of Confederate Monument From Virginia Courthouse
In Virginia’s Loudoun County Public schools, there is a debate about whether or not Critical Race Theory should be taught to students. Two parent groups are at odds about how to approach the matter. In December of 2020, the school district paid more than $50,000 to implement race-informed curriculum attempting to counter systemic bias in education.
SEE: Virginia county spends nearly half a million on race programs for schools
Feud between Loudoun County parents over teaching about racism in school leads to police investigation
“The state of Virginia should rid itself of all vestiges of the legacy of systemic anti-Black racism and white supremacy promoted and defended by the Confederacy,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “Only through the repudiation of racism and the teaching of the systemic nature of white privilege can we move forward together as a state and a nation.”
Hooper said the American Muslim community and CAIR are standing 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.
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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