Duval school board member Tony Ricardo faces community members after Islam post, GOP chair backs him

Duval County School Board member Tony Ricardo will face community members Monday night, just days after a post that appears to have been shared online went viral.

Action News Jax first reported last week that Ricardo faced calls to resign after he shared a Facebook post that called Islam an invasive political cult. The post, which appeared to be shared by Ricardo, triggered widespread backlash. In the days that followed, city leaders, Ricardo’s fellow school board members and religious organizations chimed in.

“When we normalize hatred toward one religious group, we weaken the protection and dignity of every community group...,” said Ranna Abduljawad, a community organizer.

Tonight, Abduljawad and a group of Muslim moms will call for accountability.

“We recognize and respect the First Amendment. But freedom of speech does not shield an elected official from public criticism and accountability,” Abduljawad said.

The group plans to show up with signs and speak during public comment.

But while the moms argue Ricardo’s comments have weakened trust in his ability to govern, the Duval County Republican Party sees it differently.

Charles Barr, chair of the Duval GOP, says not only will he not ask for Ricardo to step aside, but he thinks Muslim parents should reconsider their criticisms, too.

“I’ve known Tony for a long time. It doesn’t matter to him what the students’ religion is. He’s there for the students to help them learn education. That’s it,” Barr said.

“I don’t think that the parents, even the Muslim parents who are going tonight... I don’t think they’re going to see anything detrimental to their kids in the way Tony rules,” Barr said.

The school board meeting starts tonight. Those who plan to speak during public comment must sign up ahead.

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