(SAINT LOUIS, MO, 1/24/18) – The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis (IFGSTL), the Imam Council of Metropolitan St. Louis (ICMSTL), the St. Louis Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), and the Missouri Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic (CAIR-MO) today expressed concern about a self-described “confederate” candidate for Parkway School Board who has espoused Islamophobic and racist views on social media.
Content on candidate Jeanie Ames’ social media accounts includes calling for a ban on Islam in America and a reference to Michelle Obama as a “giant rat.” An image retweeted by Ames states: “Let the Crusade Begin! Ban Islam In America!” Ames’ Twitter account profile describes her as a “Confederate” and has an image of a woman who may be Ames firing an assault rifle.
SEE: Parkway School Board Candidate Has Record of Offensive Tweets, Jeanie Ames Likens Michelle Obama to ‘A Giant Rat,’ Self-Identifies as ‘Confederate’
In a statement, CAIR-MISSOURI Executive Director Faizan Syed said:
“Parkway is a school district that proudly educates students of all backgrounds and faiths. Jeanie Ames’ history of anti-Muslim bigotry, xenophobia and outright racism is evidence that she is unfit to serve on any school board.”
SEE: Screenshots of Ames’ Tweets
“Jeanie Ames' record of racism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and other bigotry prove beyond any doubt that she has no place on the Parkway School District's Board of Education,” said Anna Baltzer from JVP. “Children of all backgrounds should feel welcome and safe at school, especially in today's political climate with basic freedoms under increasing attack. All people of conscience who believe in the value and place of all children at Parkway schools should oppose Ames' candidacy in the strongest terms.”
“It is quite disturbing to say the least that a person with views such as ‘banning Islam from America’ is running for the Parkway School Board,” said Mufti Asif Umar of the ICMSTL and the Imam of Daar-Al-Islam Masjid whose congregation resides within the Parkway School district. “We are proud to say that Parkway schools are home to many American Muslims who were born and raised right here in St. Louis. The students deserve leaders who will be supportive to all of them, regardless of their race and ethnic background. We hope others take notice of her bigoted views.”
In a statement the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis said:
"The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis is disappointed to see bigotry and hate touch the administration of our children's local schools. We champion the core American values of inclusion and diversity in St. Louis schools and beyond."
CAIR offers a booklet, “An Educator's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices," which is designed to help school officials provide a positive learning environment for Muslim students.
SEE: An Educator's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices
A recent report by CAIR’s California office revealed that Muslim students are bullied at twice the rate as the national average.
CAIR-CA Report: More Than Half of Muslim Students in California Experience Bullying, Discrimination
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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CONTACT: CAIR-MO Executive Director Faizan Syed, 314-403-3626, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Anna Baltzer with JVP This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Mufti Asif Umar, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Yusra Ali has loved art since childhood. She began, as many little girls do, by drawing fairies with her friends. “Growing up, I thought art was something I had to keep to myself,” Ali says. “I was always shy, I never thought I’d make it to an exhibition. Would I be accepted?” Now, the 23-year-old is using art to empower her community by curating the second annual Muslim Art Exhibit Creativity and Identity, to be held at the Contemporary Art Museum (3750 Washington Blvd.) this Saturday.
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