The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for the resignation of a North Carolina sheriff following the revelation of the racist statement he allegedly made.
CAIR also welcomed an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) into the racist comments allegedly made by the sheriff of that state’s Columbus County.
The racist comments were reportedly made in a 2019 phone conversation between Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene and Captain Jason Soles, who had been given command of the department while a complaint against Greene was being investigated. Greene reportedly told Soles he was “sick of these black b**tards.” He also said he would fire employees who he believed related to an investigation into his eligibility for the office. The call was one of several Greene made to Soles during the investigation.
The Columbus County Attorney General said that while he was unsure if Greene’s comments reached the level of a criminal violation, they did raise concerns about biased policing by the department.
Yesterday, the attorney general requested the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation (SBI) begin investigating the issue. In a statement posted to Facebook, Greene admitted to using offensive language but denied any “racial intent.”
“The comments reportedly made by the sheriff are appalling and would indicate that he is unfit to serve and protect a diverse community,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “We urge the North Carolina SBI to be swift and thorough in its investigation and for the sheriff to consider resigning from his office.”
He said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
