Muslim member of rights panel denied another term
SPRINGFIELD — A longtime member of the Illinois Human Rights Commission was denied another term Thursday, in part because of material on his website about the Nation of Islam that condemned interracial marriage.
Those opposed to reappointing Munir Muhammad to the commission also said he has praised Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is known for human rights abuses and strident opposition to Israel.
“To appoint someone with these radical views to the Human Rights Commission, I think is a travesty,” said Sen. Tim Bivins, a Dixon Republican.
But Muhammad’s supporters praised him and his work on the commission, which rules on allegations of illegal discrimination.
“He’s highly respected in the community, and he’s a good man,” said Sen. James Meeks, a Democrat and pastor of a major Chicago church. “He’s not a hatemonger.”
Muhammad is an official in the Chicago-based Coalition for the Remembrance of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, who led the Nation of Islam for decades. The coalition’s website includes a statement saying “intermarriage or race mixing should be prohibited.”
It’s not clear from the website whether the coalition endorses that view or is presenting it to show what Elijah Muhammad believed. The site says its mission is “to give you the unedited words” of Elijah Muhammad. It also calls his teachings “just plain truth.”
Munir Muhammad’s nomination failed 20-30 Thursday in the Illinois Senate.
He has served on the Human Rights Commission since 2003, making $46,960 a year and winning compliments from his colleagues. When his position on the board drew some public attention in 2006, the chairman issued a statement saying Muhammad “has served with distinction, integrity and humility.”
Gov. Pat Quinn’s office wouldn’t discuss the nomination. “The Senate has voted and we’ll move on from here,” spokeswoman Brooke Anderson said.
A message left at Muhammad’s home was not immediately returned. Attempts to reach him through the Human Rights Commission were not successful.