A coalition of interfaith groups, spearheaded by Justice For All and including organizations like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), has penned a letter to the Montgomery County Council expressing deep reservations about an upcoming event hosted by VHP-America at a local public high school. The event, framed as a celebration of a temple’s construction in India, is linked to the coordinated destruction of a 500-year-old mosque and the subsequent erection of a temple on its site.
The coalition’s letter underscores the contentious history of VHP in India, particularly its role in the demolition of the Babri Masjid and alleged involvement in violence against religious minorities. Concerns are raised about the appropriateness of hosting an event in a public school setting that might potentially endorse or celebrate historical acts of violence and divisiveness.
Zahir Adil, leader of the Save India From Fascism campaign at Justice For All, voiced concerns about the importation of hate to the United States, citing the potential celebration of the Babri Masjid’s demolition. The coalition urges public facilities to refrain from supporting events that may promote hate and intolerance.
Sunita Viswanath, Executive Director and co-Founder of Hindus for Human Rights, expressed concerns about the politicization of the Ayodhya site for electoral gain, emphasizing the potential fracture in communal harmony that Hinduism espouses. The coalition seeks to highlight the exploitation of religion for nationalist purposes.
Zainab Chaudry, Maryland Director at CAIR, stressed that organizations with a history of fueling hatred and intolerance should not be given platforms in public schools, especially for celebrations linked to historical events causing pain and injustices to minority communities.
Rasheed Ahmed, Executive Director of IAMC, emphasized the coalition’s commitment to upholding the values of diversity and inclusivity, urging the County Council to review the decision to allow the event at a public school.
The coalition invites dialogue and collaboration with the County Council to ensure that public spaces, particularly schools, remain areas where cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy are prioritized. The groups are seeking an immediate review of the decision by the County Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) to permit the event on public school property.
CAIR, as part of the coalition, remains committed to working towards solutions that uphold the values of peace, understanding, and mutual respect in Montgomery County and beyond.
