(WASHINGTON D.C., 5/13/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today urged Virginia’s Shenandoah County School Board not to change the names of two schools back to their previous, Confederate-inspired names.
At its meeting last night, the Shenandoah County School Board discussed possibly restoring the old names of two schools previously named for Confederate military commanders. The schools had their names changed in 2020. After hearing arguments from community members, the school board decided to survey residents on whether the names should be changed back.
SEE: Shenandoah County School Board discusses the restoration of confederate school names
“We urge the board not to take a step backward by restoring school names honoring white supremacist traitors who defended slavery and systemic anti-Black racism,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “Schools cannot be welcoming learning environments for students of all backgrounds when their names celebrate racism and bigotry.”
He noted that CAIR has repeatedly called for the removal of Confederate holidays, flags, statues, and symbols nationwide.
SEE: CAIR Supports Removal of New Mexico Confederate Monument, Dropping of Confederate Officer’s Name from Landmarks
CAIR Welcomes Renaming of Formerly Confederate-Themed Virginia Middle School
CAIR Reiterates Support for South Carolina Bill to End Confederate Memorial Day
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, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com ReplyReply allForwardIA