Aurora Library Removes 'Hijab Means Jihad' Poem After Backlash

AURORA, IL — The Aurora Public Library has taken down a controversial poem that appeared to villainize hijabs. The poem, entitled "Hijab Means Jihad" began with the line "every kid should be like my kid and snatch a hijab," and was superimposed on an image of a Confederate flag. The library said in a statement that the poem "should never have been on display at any of the Aurora Public Library branches."

The poem caused social media users to denounce the display and demand its removal. After this initial reaction, the library posted on Facebook that they were "pleased that people are talking" and went on to further promote the exhibit. They said the author of the poems, Dr. George Miller of Lewis University, had intended the poem to be "satirical."

The issue prompted the Council of American and Islam Relations (CAIR) to demand an investigation.

"[W]hile the intent may have been satire, the hate poem is presented to the public without any context - intent or otherwise - and is thus indistinguishable from bare-naked incendiary hate speech that promotes violence against women and children," CAIR officials said in a statement.

In light of the poem's controversy, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said the words of the poem "should never have seen the light of day in our city." "The title alone," Irvin went on, "promoted assault against women underscored by verses which blatantly disrespected an entire faith community."

Irvin then criticized the library's initial reaction.

"To add insult to injury, staff of the Aurora Public Library promoted the display on social media and applauded the ongoing discussions about satire versus hate speech that it prompted."

Library Board President John Savage issued a statement Sunday saying his "heart ached" when he read the poem and that been removed once he became aware of the issue.

Savage added that he was "disgusted by the language and saddened by the fact that every person who read it could believe this was condoned by the Aurora Public Library because it was allowed to be on display in our main branch."

Savage said the library plans to conduct an internal review "of both the people and process that allowed this to happen."

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