(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/14/23) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the posting of Ku Klux Klan (KKK) flyers at Black churches in Tennessee.
Two people have been arrested for allegedly posting the racist fliers on the marquees of three African-American churches and at businesses in Columbia, Tenn. Flyers were also reportedly left on the steps of a mostly Black church in Mississippi some six weeks ago.
SEE: Man, teen arrested for allegedly posting KKK fliers around Columbia
In a statement, CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper said:
“Such acts of bigotry targeting houses of worship have no place in our society and must be confronted head-on. We stand in solidarity with the residents of Columbia, and we call on community leaders, law enforcement agencies and elected officials to take swift action to ensure the safety and security of all individuals and religious institutions.”
He said Washington, D.C., based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
Hooper also urged religious institutions in Tennessee and nationwide to take extra security precautions by using advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety.” The advice in the booklet is applicable to institutions of all faiths.
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 Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com