(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/9/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the passage of Alabama’s new constitution, which removes the racist language of its predecessor. CAIR also welcomed the passage of several measures prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude as a form of punishment in Oregon, Tennessee, and Vermont.
The new constitution, which was the first item on ballots in Alabama last night, removes references to involuntary servitude as punishment, segregated schools, and an allotment of poll tax money. The bipartisan effort to change the state’s constitution started in 2019.
SEE: Alabama approves new state constitution, strips racist language from text
“We welcome Alabama’s adoption of a new constitution free of racist provisions,” said CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw. “We urge states nationwide to take action to rid themselves of the vestiges of white supremacy.”
McCaw also welcomed the decisions by voters in Oregon, Tennessee and Vermont to adopt measures prohibiting slavery and the use of involuntary servitude as a form of punishment. Voters in Louisiana rejected a similar ballot measure.
SEE: Slavery rejected in some, not all, states where on ballot
He noted that in February, CAIR welcomed the Alabama House of Representatives’ approval of a measure that would allow voters to remove racist language from that state’s constitution.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Alabama House’s Approval of Bill to Remove Racist Language from Alabama Constitution
In November 2021, CAIR welcomed approval of a plan to remove racist language from the Alabama state constitution.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Approval of Plan to Remove Racist Language from Alabama Constitution
In August 2021, CAIR welcomed a public meeting to gain input on removing racist language from the state’s constitution.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Effort to Remove Racist Language from Alabama Constitution, Removal of Photo Featuring Racist Symbol from Utah Police Facebook Page
In November 2020, 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
He noted that in October 2020, CAIR supported a proposed amendment on the ballot to remove racist language from the Alabama constitution.
SEE: CAIR Supports Proposed Amendment to Remove Racist Language from Alabama’s Constitution
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