The recent controversy surrounding a proposed mosque in the City of Sterling Heights, Mich., has further escalated into a situation of anti-Muslim hate and fear. The Campaign to TAKE ON HATE is deeply disturbed by reports of ongoing anti-Muslim comments that were first made at a city council meeting on Aug. 18 regarding the planned construction of the mosque and have continued on social media and in the press. 

The Campaign to TAKE ON HATE calls on the mayor and city council to responsibly address and recognize the pain caused by these negative and hateful comments to ensure the city's Muslim residents are not isolated and further attacked.  We urge the city's elected leadership to join us in a community conversation in Sterling Heights that helps address the bigotry, increase understanding and acknowledge the tremendous amount of pain that refugees endure, no matter their faith, and help this diverse community heal. We worry that if this matter is not addressed appropriately, it could lead to continued increased tension. 

Campaign Manager Rashida Tlaib spoke with WXYZ Channel 7 News about the issue. 

>>SEE VIDEO BELOW.

TAKE ON HATE has reached out to city officials to address this matter and has offered its resources to them. While the views expressed so far by those who oppose the mosque are appalling, we know that they are not representative of the entire city of Sterling Heights, which has long been committed to creating a welcoming, immigrant-friendly community as a Welcoming Michigan partner.

Welcoming Michigan is circulating a petition to demonstrate that love is greater than hate in Sterling Heights. TAKE ON HATE joins Welcoming Michigan in spreading this message of support for our Muslim, immigrant and refugee neighbors so that our voices of love and acceptance rise loud and strong. Sign the petition here.

TAKE ON HATE representatives will also attend a meeting of the city planning commission on Sept. 10 where Sterling Heights city officials will hear from developers as well as residents about the proposed mosque.

The Campaign to TAKE ON HATE strives to address issues of bias and discrimination, particularly toward Arab and Muslim Americans, and stands against bigotry toward all people.