(WASHINGTON D.C., 7/14/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for an independent and transparent investigation into claims that racial discrimination is behind the Salt Lake City School Board’s decision to ask its Black superintendent to resign.
Timothy Gadson III, the first Black superintendent of a Utah school district, has been asked to resign by the Salt Lake City School Board. Critics have alleged that Gadson is “loud” and intimidating and have reportedly accused him of favoritism for hiring other Black administrators.
Black community leaders allege that racism is behind the school board’s decision. The board’s only Black member called the accusations against Gadson “baseless” and racially-motivated. The Salt Lake chapter of the NAACP has called on federal authorities to investigate.
SEE: Black community leaders say racism behind Salt Lake superintendent’s leave
“Racial discrimination cannot be allowed to occur in any institution, especially not one responsible for the education of our youth,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “We urge relevant authorities to investigate the claims against the Salt Lake City School Board and to recommend appropriate action.”
He noted that Washington, D.C., based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy and all other forms of bigotry.
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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, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]