Tensions Rise In Columbia Heights After Post About Muslims From School Board Member's Facebook Page
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) -- Tensions are growing in Columbia Heights after a school board member posted what some say are offensive, anti-Muslim statements online.
Earlier this month, a comment under a Facebook account for Grant Nichols said in part:
"They are just unsanitary by bringing water into a bathroom and making a mess. Besides washing their feet, armpits in the sinks in the bathrooms. They leave it a mess and no one says anything about that?"
Gov. Dayton said he heard about the controversy in Columbia Heights and how students responded with a peaceful protest. The school held an assembly Friday morning, and Gov. Dayton requested to attend.
He wanted to address students and let them knows he's proud of their actions. Speaking very candidly, Dayton said Columbia heights school board member Grant Nichols should resign.
Abdir Ahman is a junior at Columbia Heights High School. As a Muslim, he was offended by alleged anti-Muslim comments made by school board member Grant Nichols.
"I think that was wrong," Ahman said. "It was messed up."
School Board Chairman John Larkin says he met with Nichols on Sept. 9 to address the allegations. At a special meeting this week, Larkin said Nichols admitted during that meeting that he posted the online statement that referred to Muslims as unsanitary.
"Not doing this means we do nothing, and I struggle with that message," Larkin said at the meeting.
Three days after an unsuccessful vote to remove Nichols, students are still concerned and upset. The district did not allow the media to attend the school assembly.
But Dayton said the students have banded together to make sure everyone -- of all races and religions -- are respected.
"I told them I'm so proud of them," the governor said. "They deserve to be so proud of themselves for what they did, to stand up and peacefully protest, walk out, come back."
Ahman says he's been overwhelmed by the support of his classmates, teachers and Gov. Dayton.
"It was really nice. I really appreciated it," Ahman said. "For him coming to our school and supporting us."
When asked what options are available for the school board to remove Nichols, Dayton said that decision and the next step are up to the board.
So far, Nichols has not responded to phone calls for a comment. He also did not attend Tuesday's special school board meeting.