Islamic Relief USA president praises Plano Mayor LaRosiliere

On behalf of Islamic Relief USA, and the greater Muslim community, I wanted to thank Mayor Harry La Rosiliere for the brave position he took by calling on the resignation of Councilman Tom Harrison, after the council member shared a controversial Facebook post that was considered to be anti-Islamic.

We understand that Mr. Harrison has apologized and has since removed the Facebook post that asks users to make a request to President Donald Trump to ban Islam in American schools. While we don’t know what drove the councilman to share that post, or what is in his heart, it is clear, Mayor LaRosiliere, that you are a good-hearted elected official who cherishes inclusivity and is determined to keep the City of Plano a welcoming community for people of various backgrounds, faiths, and socioeconomic classes. We couldn’t agree more with the comments you made at a recent press conference where you said that Councilman Harrison’s views “are not consistent with who we are in the city of Plano.”

As a former resident of Plano, where IRUSA currently has one of its regional offices, I know that the people of that wonderful city value diversity and respect different faiths. The tremendous outpouring of support and love from residents for the Muslim community, particularly in the aftermath of the controversial Facebook posts on Councilman Harrison’s page, is a testament to those values.

Prejudice and disregard for particular ethnicities, religions, and nationalities by elected officials at any level cannot be tolerated in our great country, the United States of America. Like Islam, our country’s foundation is built on love, respect, community, and broad-mindedness. We must continue to stand by those values, to never compromise on them.

Once again, thank you Mayor LaRosiliere for standing up for respect and diversity and calling out hate and division from wherever it stems. Continued success in your administration. We are here to help in any way, shape or form to raise awareness on various issues.

Sincerely,

Anwar Khan

President, Islamic Relief USA