The Pittsburgh chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pittsburgh), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for the resignation of Beaver Area School District board member Luke Berardelli after he reportedly posted anti-Muslim and sexist comments on social media.
The condemnation follows a controversial Facebook post by Berardelli in which he targeted women and the Islamic faith, writing in part, “maybe the Islamic faith is the correct way to go considering they give women zero rights at all,” alongside derogatory directives instructing women to “Cover your body. Shut your mouth,” and claiming they are permitted “No education” and “not allowed to drive.”
Berardelli defended his post as “hyperbole” and “sarcasm” during a public school board meeting and refused to resign.
In a statement, CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed said:
“Public school board members hold a sacred duty to foster safe, inclusive, and equitable educational environments for students of all backgrounds and faiths. Denigrating an entire religious community and promoting harmful gender stereotypes, even under the guise of sarcasm or ‘hyperbole,’ is completely unacceptable for an official tasked with overseeing the education of our youth.
“Such rhetoric spreads misinformation, fuels bigotry, and alienates Muslim students and families within the district. We stand in solidarity with the community members, parents, and board members who are demanding accountability, and we call on Mr. Berardelli to step down immediately.”
She noted thatWashington, D.C.-based CAIR offers a booklet, called “An Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices,” designed to help school officials provide a positive learning environment for Muslim students. CAIR also offers a booklet outlining the rights of Muslim students.
CAIR’s latest civil rights report documented 8,683 anti-Muslim bias complaints in 2025 – the highest number ever recorded by the organization since it began publishing civil rights reports in 1996.
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-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed, [email protected]