(WASHINGTON D.C., 8/17/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today decried a ruling by a Tennessee appellate court that there is nothing “inherently prejudicial” about trying Black people in a courtroom adorned with Confederate memorabilia.
In the ruling, a three-judge panel of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals refused to vacate drug convictions meted out to a Black man who was tried in a room decorated with Confederate flags and images of Confederate President Jefferson Davis in Giles County.
The ruling contradicts a prior ruling by a separate panel of the same court that vacated the convictions of a Black man based on the jury’s exposure to the same Confederate memorabilia. The courtroom was set to be redecorated in June after the Tennessee Historical Commission ruled the memorabilia could be sent to a museum.
“The idea that a Black defendant could receive a fair trial in a room adorned with symbols of white supremacy and slavery is preposterous, and that fact should have been recognized by the court,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “This ruling may unfortunately prevent a necessary reexamination of possible unjust, biased convictions of Black defendants.”
He noted that CAIR previously welcomed the decision to remove the Confederate memorabilia from the courtroom.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Removal of Confederate Memorabilia from Tennessee Jury Room
CAIR has repeatedly called for the removal of Confederate holidays, flags, statues, and symbols nationwide.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Delaware Museum’s Decision to Continue Flying Flag of Confederate ‘Traitors,’ Repeats Call on County Council to Withdraw Funding
CAIR Welcomes Resignation of Va. Appointee Who Made Pro-Confederate Comments, Condemns Distribution of KKK Flyers in Va. Town
Video: CAIR Condemns South Carolina Town’s Plan to Install Confederate Statue
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