Condemn Defamatory Statements by Board of Education Magesh Kamalakannan’s Targeting South Brunswick Board of Education Member Alisha Khan
Editors Note: Of course FightBackBetter totally supports CAIR Action NJ sentiment expressed in this press release, This absurd law proposal by FL Rep, Fine that Mr. Kamalakannan quotes follows illegal orders and the illegal NSPM7 coming out of the Trump Administration. Terrorism is a crime and in order to legally charge someone with a crime you need evidence. You can not make people guilty of any crime by a proclamation. All of these guilty by proclamation declarations by law or executive order, and that includes the NJ efforts to pass IHRA legislation declaring people to be anti-Semitic who are not – over their criticism of Israel – all of it is patently illegal and in total disregard for our First Amendment protections. Not only should these statements be condemned – this editor encourages Ms. Khan to pursue every legal avenue to recover damages from the apparent defamatory statements by Mr. Kamalakannan. Hopefully his Islamaphobic slate is defeated. His partners in the race are equally responsible until they condemn the statements! Bob WItanek, Editor FightBackBetter
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CAIR Action NJ Condemns Defamatory Statements by Board of Education Magesh Kamalakannan’s Statements Targeting South Brunswick Board of Education Member Alisha Khan |
| (South Brunswick, NJ, 11/04/2025) — CAIR Action NJ, the largest political advocacy Muslim organization in New Jersey, condemns recent defamatory and Islamophobic statements made by South Brunswick Board of Education candidate Mr. Magesh Kamalakannan against current South Brunswick Board of Education member and candidate, Alisha Khan. Screenshots of his and his supporters statements can be found here. In multiple Facebook and WhatsApp groups, Mr. Kamalakannan and his supporters falsely alleged that Ms. Khan is endorsed by a terrorist organization, referring to CAIR. Mr. Kamalakannan attached a screen shot of a proposed Congressional bill (HR 4097 – “Designate CAIR as a Terrorist Organization Act”) by Florida Congressman Randy Fine – who is known for his inflammatory and racist statements – as the basis of his claim. This bill was only able to gain the support of one co-sponsor and for months has not moved from committee. Mr. Kamalakannan also accused Ms. Khan of forcing her religion on South Brunswick schools. These claims are categorically false, reckless, and defamatory. CAIR Action’s New Jersey office, the organization endorsing Ms. Khan, is a legally registered political advocacy and civic engagement organization that is dedicated to enhancing political participation and advancing just policies at home and abroad. Neither CAIR Action nor CAIR-NJ, its affiliated nonprofit advocacy organization, has ever been designated or investigated as a “terrorist organization” by any credible authority. Such accusations are not only baseless but also contribute to a broader pattern of anti-Muslim hate and disinformation. “Labeling a Muslim civic organization or its supporters as ‘terrorist’ is a well-worn Islamophobic trope intended to silence Muslim voices and intimidate community members from engaging in public life,” said Ali Aljarrah, Senior Advisor of CAIR Action NJ. “We strongly condemn this attempt to defame both Ms. Khan and our organizations.” “Defamation of character, particularly during an election, erodes public trust and chills civic participation. Our community deserves an environment where candidates can run on their ideas and dedication to public service—not be subjected to false accusations or hate-driven attacks. Such rhetoric is dangerous, as it targets individuals based on religion and ethnicity, undermining the values of inclusivity and respect that South Brunswick strives to uphold.” said Omayma Mansour, a Policy Advisor for CAIR Action NJ. This incident is part of a broader pattern of Islamophobia and racism that continues to target Muslim public figures and advocates across the country – from smears against New York City’s Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdani to the recent wave of Islamophobic attacks from figures such as Laura Loomer and other members of the MAGA movement. These coordinated attempts to vilify Muslims in public life threaten the fabric of our democracy and seek to marginalize entire communities. CAIR Action NJ calls on community leaders, elected officials, and residents of South Brunswick to reject this type of divisive rhetoric. Voters deserve an election focused on ideas, experience, and service—not one poisoned by falsehoods and religious bigotry.Both organizations are reviewing all options to address the spread of this defamatory misinformation and to ensure accountability for those who propagate it. |
| CAIR Action NJ is an affiliate of CAIR Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. CONTACT: Ali AljarrahSenior Advisor. CAIR Action NJ(973) 303-7300 aaljarrah@cairaction.org CAIR Action Communicationsmedia@cairaction.org |
