Cubs, Muslim Leaders Agree On Plan To Fight Islamophobia

CHICAGO — The Cubs are working with Muslim organizations to implement a plan of action against Islamophobia after Joe Ricketts' racist emails were leaked earlier this month. His son, Cubs' chairman Tom Ricketts, met with the organizations' leaders on Feb. 8 to discuss prejudice and how to mend relations moving forward.

The plan of action includes:

• The participation of notable Muslims in Cubs and Wrigley Field traditions;
• Anti-hate public service announcements featuring Cubs personnel helping to raise public awareness against Islamophobia;
• Cubs support for three community initiatives: anti-bullying efforts, diversity and inclusion training and scholarships.

"We are encouraged that the Cubs, led by Tom Ricketts, responded swiftly and genuinely in partnering with us to turn the situation around. As a result, the Cubs are taking a significant step forward and will use the power of their brand and voice to fight Islamophobia, racism and bigotry," said CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab in a statement.

"We hope other franchises follow their lead. This active commitment to our shared values of Everybody In is not only great for the brand, but for all fans, for the affected communities and for our city as a whole."

In his emails, Joe Ricketts called Islam a "cult and not a religion," and called Muslims the "enemy." He has since apologized, and said he "deeply regrets" his comments.

In their meeting on Feb. 8, representatives of Muslim organizations discussed prejudice with Tom Ricketts and the Cubs' VP of Communications Julian Green. Several Muslims in attendance shared stories about their personal history and experience as longtime Cubs fans and how the emails from Joe Ricketts raised doubt about the family and organization's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

"We have a tremendous opportunity to further our commitment to diversity and inclusion by joining the Chicago Muslim community in its efforts to eradicate bigotry and Islamophobia," said Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts in a statement after the meeting. "My family and I want to thank Ahmed Rehab and Chicago Muslim leaders for the opportunity to meet and have a frank and constructive dialogue about building a better future."

The details of the plan of action and its implementation timeline will be discussed in subsequent meetings in the coming weeks, according to the Chicago office of the Council On American Islamic Relations.

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