The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) on 9 April welcomed a decision by Brandeis University to withdraw its invitation to notorious anti-Muslim extremist Ayaan Hirsi Ali to receive an honorary degree at commencement ceremonies on 18 May and attributed the “victory over hate” to a unified community response. Ali has in the past seemed to express sympathy for mass murderer Anders Breivik, who included her writings in his manifesto. She has also stated “we are at war with Islam,” called for the closing of “all Muslim schools” in America, urged that Islam be “defeated,” claimed “there is no moderate Islam,” and suggested that the U.S. Constitution be amended to allow for discrimination against Muslims.
In its statement announcing the withdrawal of Ali’s invitation, the university said: “We cannot overlook that certain of her past statements are inconsistent with Brandeis University’s core values.”