CAIR denounces comments by Tommy Tuberville calls him "unworthy" of his office

December 15, 2015 - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Alabama chapter have strongly condemned U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville's (R-Alabama) recent comments, labeling them anti-Muslim and "unworthy of his office." They have also placed him on their official list of anti-Muslim extremists - the first time CAIR has ever applied that designation to a sitting U.S. senator.

On December 14, Tuberville shared on social media: "Islam is not a religion. It's a cult. Islamists aren't here to assimilate. They're here to conquer. Stop worrying about offending the pearl clutchers. We've got to SEND THEM HOME NOW or we'll become the United Caliphate of America."

The City of Hoover recently rejected a rezoning request for a Muslim private school and worship center. Tuberville actively campaigned against the Islamic Academy.

"If you believe in the Quran and go by Sharia law and want to chant death to America and teach that nonsense in these schools, I don't want you here," Tuberville said. "This is a Judeo-Christian country that believes in God and the Bible. If you want to do it at home, fine. If you want to live here, fine. But as long as you go by our laws and believe in the things that made this country great, I'm all in."

After Hoover rejected the request by the Islamic Academy, Tuberville said on social media:

"The only place this 'Islamic Academy' should be moving is OUT OF ALABAMA. Islamic Indoctrination Centers have NO PLACE in our state."

This has infuriated many Alabama Muslims.

CAIR of Alabama called Tuberville's remarks about Muslim students and the Islamic Academy of Alabama "hateful, reckless, and embarrassing."

They said that his rhetoric echoes Alabama's history of racial violence, comparing it to George Wallace's segregationist stance. CAIR emphasized that Muslim families in Alabama are neighbors, educators, and public servants who deserve representation, not vilification.

CAIR's national Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell stated: "No American elected official should celebrate the denial of educational opportunities to children, let alone use his platform to demonize an entire faith community."

CAIR warned that Tuberville's rhetoric promotes fear, division, and conspiracy.

Tuberville responded saying that being labeled an extremist by CAIR was a "badge of honor."

He pledged: "I will NEVER stop fighting for AMERICANS and our Constitutional values."

Tuberville is a former educator, coach, and sports broadcaster. He was elected to the Senate in 2020 emphasizing his close political alliance with President Donald J. Trump (R).

Senator Tuberville is a 2026 candidate for Governor of Alabama. To this point Ken McFeeters is only GOP primary opponent. Former Senator Doug Jones, hemp store owner and businessman Chad "Chig" Martin, Dr. Will Boyd, and JaMel Brown are all running in the Democratic primary. Former Morgan County Commissioner and corrections officer Staci George and Robert Mardis are running as independents.

The Republican primary is May 19, 2026.

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