Faced with backlash after remarks made in front of Muslim children, an activist Maryland councilmember’s non-apology may have only further riled the community.
For rainbow ideologues, inclusivity is little more than diet tyranny as the expectation is to unflinchingly meet whatever the latest demand is with open arms and bended knee. In her defense of indoctrinating kids with routine doses of alphabet soup, Montgomery County Councilmember Kristin Mink crossed a line in associating faithful Muslim kids with “bigots” and “white supremacists.”
Sunday, the Democratic politician attempted to smooth things over with a statement that neither took responsibility for the divisive remarks nor appeared to signal any change of heart on her position that students be forced to participate in lessons families consider a violation of their religious beliefs.
“On Tuesday, June 6, I spoke at a Montgomery County Board of Education meeting about inclusive education and whether families should be permitted to opt their children out of LGBTQIA-inclusive curriculum materials. I regret that although my remarks were focused on promoting inclusion, they created an opportunity for misunderstanding and mischaracterization,” her statement read. “I apologize for the hurt that caused in the Muslim community.”
On Tues., June 6, I spoke at a Montgomery County Board of Education meeting about inclusive education & whether families should be permitted to opt their children out of LGBTQIA-inclusive curriculum materials. I regret that although my remarks were focused on promoting inclusion, pic.twitter.com/XP4GzvKMpn
— Councilmember Kristin Mink (@CMKristinMink) June 11, 2023
Mink continued, “Even when individuals disagree about difficult issues, I am committed to finding space to foster authentic dialogue and seek points of understanding. I sat down to hear from Muslim community members before my remarks on Tuesday and with District 5 Muslim leaders on Thursday. I listened, and I understand their concerns.”
“I look forward to continuing to work with members of our Muslim and LGBTQIA+ communities as we take on issues of importance for all residents,” she concluded.
As previously reported, during last week’s board of education meeting, Mink delivered her incendiary perspective after several current and former Muslim Montgomery County Public School students had argued “Freedom religion is a fundamental human right that protects the conscience of all people. It allows us to think, express and act upon what we deeply believe,” and, “Restoring the opt-out choice does not encourage bigotry or a lack of comprehension. It promotes respect and inclusivity by honoring students’ religious convictions.”
“This issue has unfortunately put — does put…some Muslim families on the same side of an issue as white supremacists and outright bigots,” the councilmember said before tempering over those present, “I would not put in the same category as those folks, although, you know, it’s complicated because they’re falling on the same side of this particular issue.”
Reacting to the statement, many called Mink out over what amounted to a “sorry, not sorry” with some going so far as to call for her to resign from her position.
So basically you’re sorry that they got upset with you even though you didn’t do anything wrong? You know, it’s easier to just not say sorry if you’re not sorry.
— Shibli Zaman (@shiblizaman) June 11, 2023
You are an islamophobe and a bigot. Resign now.
— Imjustme (@MattBosch11) June 11, 2023
No, you are focusing on exclusion. You exclude and slander anyone who disagrees with your agenda.
— akanemd (@akanemd) June 12, 2023
You should ABSOLUTELY surrender your post. You have lost the public trust. Racist. Shame on you. I am a black Muslim, and am proud and confident in my decision making. How dare you denigrate my community.
Resign. Show some pride
— UnsilentMajority (@UnsilentMajorT) June 12, 2023
Speaking with Fox News Digital, the Religious Freedom Institute’s director of the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team, Ismail Royer, said many had left the meeting after Mink’s remarks and added, “It was a very disturbing and jarring moment. And it just reveals what’s kind of really lurking in people’s hearts when they’re pretending to be your friends.”
In addition to missing the mark in acknowledging her fault, the councilmember made no mention of resurfaced comments directed at white women. As covered, Mink had said in an email resigning from the organization Lights for Liberty that “I would be more than glad to come back on board if Black and Brown voices are given a seat at the executive table. Having… white women representing us is going to add to the credibility issue, and doesn’t elevate the right voices.”
“Speaker lineups need to be… intersectional and multi-racial. White people… should be few and with good reason,” she went on and described how she found it “troubling that White women do not appear to be divesting control of [the organization] to people of color.”
Maryland Dem who chided Muslims over LGBT views now has thoughts on White women https://t.co/CsDGBdrLKD via @BIZPACReview
— BPR based (@DumpstrFireNews) June 10, 2023
Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn't researching current events and their impacts, you'll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.
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