- For Immediate Release and Distribution -

(CHICAGO, IL, 9/25/2024) – The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for an investigation into Islamophobic campaign tactics targeting Suzanne Akhras, a Muslim candidate for Illinois' District 82 State Representative. 

Akhras has received reports of a misleading survey implying she is associated with Islamic terrorist groups. The survey, circulated through a text message under the guise of “Political Opinion Research,” asks voters if they would support Akhras if they knew she belonged to terrorist organizations. This deceptive tactic aims to stoke fear and perpetuate dangerous stereotypes, placing Akhras, her family, and campaign volunteers in harm’s way.

SEE: Anti-Islamic Survey Alleged In Darien Area Race | Darien, IL Patch

“Leaning on vile Islamophobic tropes to try to get an edge in a campaign on the mere fact your opponent is Muslim, is not only repugnant and un-American, but suggests a sort of political shallowness: you have nothing better to offer than sleaze,” said CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab. “We urge election authorities to investigate this slander.”

NOTE: As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, CAIR does not endorse or oppose candidates for office, and makes no claims as to the favorability of one candidate being elected over another.

CAIR-Chicago’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote understanding.  

 
CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR Chicago, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; Maggie Slavin, Operations Manager of CAIR-Chicago, 815-590-3991, mslavin@cair.com; Hafsa Haider, Communications Coordinator of CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com