(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/10/21) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today supported an effort to rename an Alabama school named for Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
On Tuesday, the Huntsville Board of Education discussed the renaming of Lee High School, responding to concerns from students, parents and community members.
SEE: Should schools named after Confederate generals change their names?
Confederate Names On Schools Are Flashpoints. Here’s One Community’s Story
https://www.npr.org/2021/06/05/1002825879/confederate-names-schools-jacksonville-robert-e-lee
In order to change the name, the board must overcome restrictions in the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act, which was designed to protect Confederate symbols and monuments. The next Board of Education meeting is June 15. SEE: https://www.facebook.com/HuntsvilleCitySchools
“A school’s name should reflect the values of diversity, inclusion and mutual respect, not the racism espoused by traitors and white supremacists like General Lee,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.”
Earlier this week, CAIR renewed its call for Alabama leaders and lawmakers to take concrete action to drop a holiday – celebrated today – that honors confederate racist and traitor Jefferson Davis. CAIR made a similar call last year.
SEE: CAIR Renews Call for Alabama to Drop Holiday Honoring Confederate Traitor Jefferson Davis
CAIR has repeatedly urged the removal of Confederate holidays, symbols and racist laws nationwide.
SEE: CAIR Supports Recommendation to Move North Carolina Confederate Monument
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.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Racist Vandalism of Asian Food Truck in Utah
CAIR Condemns Iowa Governor’s Signing of Law Banning Anti-Racism Teaching
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