(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/13/23) – Join the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and The Mosque of the Late King Khalid bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, Inc.’s click-and-send action alert demanding Shaw University President Dr. Paulette Dillard to reopen the King Khalid Mosque that has been closed since 2020.
CLICK HERE: DEMAND SHAW UNIVERSITY REOPEN KING KHALID MOSQUE
Below is a copy of the action alert message being sent to Shaw University President Dr. Paulette Dillard:
“I join the Raleigh community, members of the King Khalid Mosque, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and others in calling for Shaw University fully reopen King Khalid Mosque to worshipers, including members of the local community.
“Shaw University’s ongoing refusal to fully reopen this house of worship, which was established with a gift from the Muslim community for the purpose of serving the Muslim community, is disappointing and perplexing.
“Keeping the mosque closed under the pretense of COVID-19 while the campus chapel had re-opened sent a very negative message to the Raleigh community. So did recent claims that the mosque has been reopened to students even though a sign remained on the building saying the mosque is closed. And now, banning community members who have worshiped at King Khalid Mosque for decades from coming back, even as members of the public are attending worship services the chapel, is deeply troubling. This situation has raised concerns about the school’s long-term plans for the mosque.
“Shaw University should fully reopen King Khalid Mosque to students, staff and local community members so that they can worship in peace as they have done for years. Shaw University is part of the community, and the community is part of Shaw university. We ask you to please show respect for the community by fully reopening the mosque to all.”
Background:
The King Khalid Mosque has been an important place of worship for Muslims in Raleigh, North Carolina, for over 20 years. However, in 2020, the mosque was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While Shaw University has recently reopened other religious buildings, including the campus chapel, and resumed other religious activities, the mosque reportedly remains closed.
Despite Shaw University telling the media that the mosque is open to students, the local CBS 17 new station reports “there’s a sign on the door of the International Studies building clearly stating the Mosque is closed until further notice” and Friday prayers have not resumed.
SEE: ‘It feels horrible’: CAIR, activists urge Shaw University to reopen on-campus Mosque | CBS 17
This closure has caused great distress to the Muslim community who have relied on the mosque for prayer, fellowship, and community support. Local community members have been in contact with CAIR about this issue, and protests asking for the mosque to be reopened to all have occurred.
Did Shaw University Close This Mosque in an Attempted Cash Grab?
Shaw University has recently petitioned the Raleigh City Council to rezone the property for mixed-use development, causing concern among the Muslim community that the university is limiting their access to the mosque in order to profit from the land that was developed with financial support from the Muslim community for the purpose of serving the Muslim community. A rezoning hearing will be held by the city council on April 4.
The King Khalid Mosque, constructed in 1983 with a $1 million donation from the late King Khalid of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important part of the Muslim community in Raleigh. CAIR and worshipers at the mosque are asking that Shaw University not take any steps to remove this sacred space and to reopen the King Khalid Mosque to the community.
On Sunday, March 4, CAIR and The Mosque of the Late King Khalid bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, Inc. participated in a town hall and advocacy training hosted by the nearby Islamic Center of Morrisville, NC to raise further awareness and community support.
Take action now and demand that Shaw University reopen the King Khalid Mosque and ensure that the Muslim community has access to this sacred space!
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.
Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational
Subscribe to CAIR’s Email List
https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters
Subscribe to CAIR’s Twitter Feed
http://twitter.com/cairnational
Subscribe to CAIR’s YouTube Channel
Follow CAIR on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cair_national/
Donate to CAIR
https://action.cair.com/a/donate
Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
If you would like to join CAIR’s media list, please sign up here: https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters — For more information, email: [email protected], CC [email protected]
END
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]