Home / Resources / Commissioners Speak Out / Response: Explosion outside Jacksonville mosque upsets Muslim Americans
Response to Tampa Tribune Article: Explosion outside Jacksonville mosque upsets Muslim Americans
A letter to the editor by Commission Chairperson Donna Elam that was submitted in response to an article about an explosion outside of a mosque in Jacksonville, FL.
RE: Explosion outside Jacksonville mosque upsets Muslim Americans
Tampa Tribune, May 12, 2010
The Florida Commission on Human Relations is saddened and outraged to hear of the
explosion outside of the Jacksonville mosque that took place while Muslim-Americans
were inside. These types of intimidating and threatening acts cannot be tolerated. As
the article stated, silence is not the answer and sends perpetrators the wrong message.
We must stand together to speak out against hateful acts toward any group. Why must people
live in fear in their own neighborhoods doing what this country was founded upon? Freedom
of religion is a right for all Americans and must be celebrated and protected from violence and
hateful acts. Together, we must send the message that we will not tolerate these scare tactics
that are instilling fear and breeding divisiveness. It must stop now.
--Dr. Donna Elam
Chair
Florida Commission on Human Relations
