(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/9/2020) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today supported a move by Bladen County, N.C., to consider declaring racism a public health crisis.
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners will vote tonight on a proclamation declaring racism a public health crisis. A few months ago, two other counties in North Carolina, New Hanover County and Mecklenburg County, voted on a similar declaration.
The Bladen County declaration makes several statements on racism including, “racism unfairly disadvantages Black and Brown individuals and communities, while unfairly giving advantages to other individuals and communities, and Bladen County’s collective prosperity depends upon the equitable access to opportunity for every resident.” It also acknowledges the correlation of racism and adverse impacts on health including higher stress and high blood pressure.
SEE: NC county to consider declaring racism a public health crisis
CAIR is also asking Virginia Muslims to comment on the proposed changes to the Loudon County Public Schools calendar that would make Eid al-Fitr a school holiday. The school board will adopt the 2021-2022 school calendar at its Dec. 1 meeting.
SEE: School Board Considers 3 Options for 2021-2022 School Calendar
https://tinyurl.com/VAEidHoliday
Another Virginia school district will add four religious holidays, including Eid, to its calendar during the next school year.
SEE: APS Likely to Add Four New Holidays Next School Year
“Being receptive to racial diversity and taking steps toward greater racial and religious inclusion in our nation should be supported and encouraged,” said CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ayan Ajeen.
Last week, CAIR welcomed voter approval of a constitutional amendment to remove racist language from the Alabama constitution.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Vote to Remove Racist Language from Alabama’s Constitution, New Mississippi Flag
CAIR also welcomed the voter approval of a new state flag in Mississippi that replaces a Confederate-themed one state lawmakers retired months ago.
SEE: Mississippi approves flag with magnolia, ‘In God We Trust’ to replace Confederate-themed flag
Mississippi approves flag with magnolia, ‘In God We Trust’ to replace Confederate-themed flag
She said the American Muslim community and CAIR are standing in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and white supremacy.
VIDEO: CAIR Director Nihad Awad Speaks at Unveiling of Black Lives Matter Banner
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