(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 3/9/2023) – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned hateful rhetoric by Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN) in an email campaign targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar (-DMN) and called for accountability and community engagement.
In a statement, CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said:
“We condemn Rep. Finstad’s offensive and xenophobic email, which perpetuates the hateful rhetoric of white supremacy and threatens the safety of Somalis and Muslims in our state and country by questioning their Americanness.
“This kind of Islamophobic and xenophobic language is steeped in hateful tropes against our communities, and it is unacceptable. Hate crimes against Muslims are on the rise in Minnesota and across the nation, and we cannot allow this kind of rhetoric to go unchallenged.
“We call on Rep. Finstad to apologize for his harmful words and to visit and meet with the impacted community. We expect better from elected officials like Rep. Finstad and stand united against hate.”
CAIR-Minnesota’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-206-3360, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]