Background:
The Islamic Society of Tulsa is purchased land with the intention of constructing a new mosque, retail space, health clinic, and community center. The facility would be around 38,000 square feet with parking for about 700 vehicles.
In December, the Broken Arrow Planning Commission voted 3-2, recommending approval of the rezoning application and conditional use permit for the project. Around 60 residents spoke at that meeting, with many of them using Islamophobic, racist language and anti-Muslim stereotypes and falsehoods as they urged the commission to vote No.
Due to the uproar, the Broken Arrow City Council – the last step in the process – has decided to hold a special meeting on Monday, January 12, at 6:00PM at the NSU-BA Campus. Details: https://www.brokenarrowok.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2974/1317
What You Can Do:
If you are a resident of Broken Arrow, you can complete this form to send a direct advocacy letter to your city council member. CLICK HERE:
If you are not a resident of Broken Arrow, you can contact the Broken Arrow City Council at the contact information below:
Mayor Debra Wimpee, Ward 1
Term Expires 2029
dwimpee@brokenarrowok.gov
Email Mayor Wimpee
Council Member Lisa Ford, Ward 2
Term Expires 2029
lford@brokenarrowok.gov
Email Councilor Ford
Council Member David Pickel, Ward 3
Term Expires 2027
david.pickel@brokenarrowok.gov
Email Councilor Pickel
Council Member Justin Green, Ward 4
Term Expires 2027
jgreen@brokenarrowok.gov
Email Councilor Green
Vice Mayor Johnnie Parks, Member At Large
Term Expires 2027
jparks@brokenarrowok.gov
Email Councilor Parks
To contact a Council Member, call: 918-259-8419
Suggested Call/Email Script:
Dear [City Councilmember/Mayor],
I’m writing/calling to urge you to vote YES on the proposal for the Islamic Society of Tulsa to build a new mosque, health center, and community center in Broken Arrow.
For many decades, the Muslim community of Tulsa have been welcomed as entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, public servants, and neighbors throughout the Tulsa metro area. The Islamic Society of Tulsa has served as the hub and worship space for the thousands of Muslims who call Tulsa their home. Now, with the community growing, they have purchased space in the city of Broken Arrow, with plans to build a worship space, health clinic, retail spaces, and a community hub for young people and families to enjoy.
Unfortunately, this project has been hijacked by hate – Islamophobic, xenophobic, and racist commentary has made its way into the public conversations surrounding this proposal. Vitriol has flooded the comment sections on news announcements, and local groups are mobilizing to stand against the mosque project.
While we understand legitimate concerns about traffic, property taxes, and utilities utilization, one thing should be clear: Broken Arrow cannot allow prejudice to control decisions about which religions are allowed to build, expand, and practice in the city. We strongly urge you to vote YES on the mosque expansion proposal; or, if you feel you must object on legitimate grounds, to repudiate the hateful commentary about your Muslim constituents and to give the Islamic Society of Tulsa a fair opportunity to gain your approval for their project.
Thanks,
[your name]
Final Thoughts
Our community is stronger when we all stand together! By participating in advocacy efforts, you are strengthening the Oklahoma Muslim family and protecting civil liberties for us all.
If you have further questions or want to get more involved, contact CAIR Oklahoma at info@ok.cair.com