CAIR-FL, Students to Urge Embry-Riddle Univ. to Drop Anti-Muslim Event

TAMPA, Fla., March 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, March 5, the Florida office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-FL) will join a diverse coalition of Embry-Riddle University students at a news conference in Daytona Beach to urge that an invitation to University of Central Florida Professor Jonathan Matusitz, a notorious anti-Muslim bigot who claims "coexistence with Islam is not possible," be withdrawn. Matusitz is scheduled to speak at Embry-Riddle University on Thursday.

Video: UCF Professor Jonathan Matusitz Spews Anti-Muslim Hate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpGNXn_5fk0

CAIR: Islamic Group Asks Embry-Riddle to Cancel Event Featuring UCF Professor Jonathan Matusitz (Orlando Sentinel)
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/blogs/school-zone/os-ucf-jonathan-matusitz-islamic,0,3107101.post  

WHAT: CAIR-FL, Embry-Riddle Students to Urge Withdrawal of Invitation to Islamophobe

WHEN: Tomorrow. Wednesday, March 5, 3 p.m.

WHERE: Embry-Riddle University, Outside Jim W. Henderson Administration and Welcome Center, 600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

CONTACT: CAIR-FL Executive Director Hassan Shibly, 813-541-4321, [email protected]

"While Professor Matusitz has the right to spew his extremist anti-Muslim views in any private venue he chooses, he has no similar right to a place of honor at a prestigious university," said CAIR-FL Executive Director Hassan Shibly. "We believe the perception that Embry-Riddle University endorses Matusitz's hate-filled views will create a hostile learning environment for Muslim students."

Last week, CAIR-FL called on American Muslims and other people of conscience to contact Embry-Riddle University and request that Matusitz's appearance be dropped.

CAIR Calls on Fla. University to Drop Anti-Muslim Prof as Speaker
https://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/12389-cair-calls-on-fla-university-to-drop-anti-muslim-prof-as-speaker.html  

Take Action: Ask Embry-Riddle University to Drop Anti-Muslim Prof as Speaker
http://www.capwiz.com/cair/issues/alert/?alertid=63119056&type=CU  

CAIR-FL letter to Embry-Riddle University President
http://vc-cair-fl.s3.amazonaws.com/files/2014-02-27-12/embryriddleletter.pdf

In a video released by CAIR-FL, Matusitz says:

* Coexistence with Islam is not possible."

* "My colleagues say Islam is a religion of peace. I say it's a religion of pieces -- piece of body here, piece of body there."

* "When I see those 'coexist' bumper stickers on cars, I laugh because I think it's ridiculous."

* "Anybody with a fraction of a brain should be afraid of Islam because it's a dangerous doctrine."

CAIR-FL has challenged Matusitz's anti-Muslim bigotry on a number of occasions.

Last year, Pinellas Country GOP leadership canceled a speaking event with Matusitz after learning of his toxic Islamophobic rhetoric. GOP stalwart Chris Latvala stated that Matusitz "bashes an entire religion practiced by many in Pinellas County, including fellow Republicans."

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.

CONTACT: CAIR-FL Executive Director Hassan Shibly, 813-541-4321, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-341-4171, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations