“Inflammatory” and “Baseless”

From the Islamic Academy of Alabama

Hoover, AL.– The Islamic Academy of Alabama strongly condemns the inflammatory, baseless, and defamatory remarks made this week by the U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and Alabama State Representative Mac Butler regarding their school and community.

Following the Hoover Planning and Zoning Committee’s decision to deny IAA’s relocation from Homewood to Hoover, Senator Tuberville asserted in an interview that IAA “preaches hate” and instructs students to “kill all infidels” and “kill all Christians”. Representative Butler echoed similar rhetoric claiming that people “screaming to kill the infidel” or saying “Death to America” have “no place here”.

IAA calls these statements categorically false.

“Not one word of these allegations reflects the teachings, values, curriculum or culture of our school,” Stacy Abdein, the school’s assistant principal said. “They are irresponsible fabrications that fuel fear, prejudice and division.”

Abdein shows serious concern for the safety and wellbeing of her students following these comments.

“Such rhetoric puts our students, some as young as 3 years old, at real and immediate risk,” Abdein said. “When public officials spread dangerous myths about innocent students and families, they embolden hostility and increase the likelihood of harassment or targeted threats, undermining the safety and well being of our entire school community.”

For nearly 30 years, the Islamic Academy of Alabama has been a proud and peaceful member of the Homewood community, with families, students and staff contributing positively to the city and surrounding communities.“We have never had a single incident which would justify the vile accusations made against us,” Abdein said. “Our school and its message is not new, the fear-mongering is. At the Islamic Academy of Alabama, we teach our students to love their neighbors, value diversity, uphold justice and contribute positively to society. IAA produces doctors, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, journalists, and responsible citizens who care for their neighbors.”

As the school’s Assistant Principal for Curriculum, Abdein unequivocally denies IAA teaching or promoting hate, violence, extremism or any form of what Tuberville terms as the “shariah law.”

“Most of our students would not even know the word ‘infidel’ outside of hearing it in the news this week,” Abdein said. “Our curriculum focuses on academic excellence, character development, compassion, leadership, respect and dignity of every human being, regardless of background or belief.”

Abdein says the school and its community stands firmly for human rights, fairness, unity and peaceful coexistence and asks community members, including elected officials, to visit IAA’s campus, meet students and staff and see firsthand what they do.

“At a time when our community should be coming together, statements that demonize innocent children and families are not only false, they are dangerous. We remain committed to unity, truth and the safety of and well-being of all those we serve,” Abdein said.

About IAA:

The Islamic Academy of Alabama (IAA) is an accredited Pre-K through 12th grade private school in Homewood, Alabama dedicated to academic excellence, character development, and providing a safe, supportive learning environment for our students. IAA provides a rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum enhanced by small class sizes, individualized instruction, and enrichment opportunities in STEM, leadership, and extracurricular activities. As one of Alabama’s long-standing independent schools, IAA prepares students to excel academically and contribute positively to their communities. The school proudly serves a diverse student body and remains committed to inclusivity, respect, and continuous improvement.