The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the apology issued by the City of San Bruno regarding the March 12 city council meeting, during which fasting Muslim community members were denied appropriate accommodations to break their fast and pray indoors.
In its statement, the City of San Bruno acknowledged the impact of its actions on Muslim constituents and apologized for the harm caused. The city recognized that its decisions, including setting up an unsuitable outdoor area for fasting community members in the cold and posting an insensitive statement online, failed to meet the needs of the community. San Bruno officials also affirmed their rejection of Islamophobia and discrimination and expressed a commitment to inclusivity moving forward.
SEE: A Statement by the City of San Bruno
Local residents and CAIR-SFBA had previously called for a public apology, clarification of city policies, and comprehensive Islamophobia training for city staff. Both the residents and CAIR-SFBA view this apology as a positive first step towards healing and fostering a more inclusive environment for all residents.
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Policy Coordinator Musa Tariq said:
“We appreciate the City of San Bruno’s acknowledgment of its actions and the steps it is taking to address the harm caused to the Muslim community and its allies who attended the meeting in question.
“Moreover, we applaud the local activists who have been working to advocate for a ceasefire and condemnation of Islamophobia for many months. This statement is an important step in recognizing the rights and dignity of all community members.
“We look forward to working with the city to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future and to promote a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.”
CAIR-SFBA remains committed to advocating for the rights of all Muslims and ensuring that their religious freedoms are respected. The organization will continue to work with the City of San Bruno and other local governments to promote inclusivity, understanding, and respect for all communities.