Muslim Hinsdale D86 Official Speaks In Wake Of Controversy

HINSDALE, IL – A Muslim member of the Hinsdale High School District 86 board spoke out Thursday following a controversy over a flyer at Hinsdale Central High School.

Member Asma Akhras got up from her seat and moved to the table where residents speak during public comments. She followed a number of parents who said the flyer was a "teachable moment."

Last week, Hinsdale Central said it was investigating the flyer for a donut sale to raise money for the children in Gaza, referring to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The flyer includes the saying, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." Some see that expression as antisemitic; others say it is not.

"It pains me when I see things like this flare up," said Akhras, a board member for the Chicago branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "I'm a very independent thinker who holds the utmost value of democracy, justice and peace."

She urged people to strive to understand one another.

"If there is one thing that my experience in life has taught me, it is to stand up on the principles of justice, fairness and democracy by building bridges and not burning bridges," Akhras said.

Akhras, a Darien resident, referred to a recent story on the DuPage Policy Journal website, which focused on a resident who wanted Akhras off the board because of her connection to the Chicago group.

After it was published, Akhras said the first people who reached out to her were her non-Muslim neighbors, who said, "We are here for you. Are you OK?"

During her speech, board President Catherine Greenspon got up to sit next to Akhras. Greenspon nodded as Akhras spoke.

When Akhras was finished, the board and the audience clapped. Greenspon and Akhras embraced.

The conservative DuPage Policy Journal's story did not list the writer's name. The story appeared before the flyer was posted.

The online publication and others around Illinois are owned by Local Government Information Services, with businessman Brian Timpone listed as the president on the secretary of state's website.

The publications have historically been connected to Dan Proft, who co-hosts a radio program titled "Chicago's Morning Answer."

Proft, who has ties to wealthy conservative donors, now lives in Florida.

Patch left a message for comment with Local Government Information Services.