The Wyandotte Public Schools Board of Education witnessed an abrupt resignation of a long-serving member following an uproar sparked by a controversial social media comment. The incident centered around Cindy Kinney, who was involved in a heated debate regarding a Facebook post deemed offensive toward Muslims.
The controversy erupted after a screenshot circulated showing Kinney’s response to a Facebook query: “Dogs or Muslims you can only keep one.” Her reply, “Dogs,” quickly drew criticism.
At a special board meeting on Tuesday, residents of the community, located approximately 10 miles south of Detroit, convened to express their outrage and seek accountability from the board.
A parent voiced her profound disappointment during the meeting, stating, “Coming from any individual, this sentiment would be disgusting. But from a school board member, this stance is all the more hurtful and disturbing.”
Dawud Walid, who serves as the executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, addressed the students directly at the gathering.
“You are human beings with dignity, just like all other human beings that live on this earth and in the great state of Michigan,” Walid stated. “It is never acceptable for any of your elders to compare you to animals.”
Walid also emphasized the need for systemic changes within the district, suggesting, “There needs to be district-wide sensitivity training in relationship to Muslims and Islam. It should start at the board level … the superintendent going all the way down to staffers and teachers.”
The remaining six members of the board acted promptly to distance themselves and the district from Kinney’s post. Kinney, who was first elected to the board in 2014, faced a formal resolution from the board condemning the post as “discriminatory and hurtful.”
The resolution further stated that Kinney’s actions were “not in any way authorized or endorsed by the full school board, and does not reflect its views or perspective.”
At the meeting, a written apology from Kinney was read aloud, in which she stated:
“I want to sincerely apologize for my recent Facebook post that has caused hurt and concern. I take responsibility for that impact. I want to be clear that I respect people of all faiths and backgrounds. It was never my intention to offend, marginalize, or diminish anyone in our community. I understand why many were upset, and I am truly sorry.”
Despite offering a written apology, Kinney eventually succumbed to the mounting pressure from both the board and public, resulting in her resignation the next day.
