**** Press Release ****
- For Immediate Release -
(Urbana/Champaign, IL, 2/12/06) – On Tuesday, February 14, the Muslim Students Association (MSA) and Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-UIUC) will hold a demonstration and lecture. We hope not only to educate the media and the public about Prophet Muhammad, but also about the respect and dignity people of all faiths grant their religious leaders. These peaceful events also seek express solidarity with all aggrieved people. Rather than burn embassies or protest violently, all peoples should stand firmly with one another and peacefully condemn all forms of hate.
Peaceful Demonstration
When: Tuesday, 12-2:30
Who: Coalition of over 15 organizations and members of the community at large
What: Peaceful demonstration on the main quad aimed at showing solidarity and promoting event at 6:30 p.m.
These initiatives were prompted in part by the reprinting of the globally controversial Danish caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in the February 9th edition of the Daily Illini, and are designed to turn a negative incident into a positive learning opportunity.
“People of all faiths in the West and in the Muslim world can either succumb to a downward spiral of mutual mistrust and hostility or they can view this disturbing episode as a ‘teaching moment’ that should not be wasted,” said CAIR-National Board Chairman Parvez Ahmed.
“Making Sense of the Danish Cartoon Controversy”
Keynote Lecture: Ahmed Rehab, Communications Director of Council on American-Islamic Relations Chicago Chapter
Where: Illini Union Room A
When: Tuesday, February 14th, 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Rehab is a prominent Chicago activist. He will address and explain the issues involved thoroughly in addition to addressing the life of the Prophet. The lecture will be followed by a question and answer session.
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Contact: MSA; CAIR-UIUC
