Minn. School Board Member Who Made Anti-Muslim Comment to Resign After Meeting with CAIR-MN

Community leaders plan press conference with Grant Nichols before Tuesday Columbia Heights School Board meeting

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 10/12/15) -- The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today welcomed Columbia Heights School Board Member Grant Nichols' decision to resign, effective Tuesday, October 13.

Following a meeting with CAIR-MN, Muslim community leaders and local elected officials, Nichols expressed his desire to resign from the school board. At that meeting, he apologized for a comment disparaging Muslims posted on his Facebook page.

CAIR-MN had previously joined calls for Nichols' resignation.

SEE: CAIR-MN Stands with Community's Position on Removing School Board Member Nichols

A press conference is planned for Tuesday, prior to the scheduled school board meeting.

WHAT: Press conference announcing Grant Nichols' resignation from the Columbia Heights School Board
WHEN: Tuesday, October 13, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Outside the Columbia Heights School District offices, 1460 49th Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
WHO: Grant Nichols and Community Leaders

"We welcome Mr. Nichols' apology and resignation from the school board and wish him well in his future endeavors," said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. "Now is the time for the community to come together to heal and to promote an environment leading to educational success and achievement."

SEE: Columbia Heights School Board Member Speaks Out (KARE11)

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.

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