The Islamic Academy of Alabama has accused U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville of fueling fear and prejudice against Muslim students after the Republican lawmaker described Islam as a “cult” during the school’s contentious battle to relocate to Hoover. School administrators warn that Tuberville’s inflammatory rhetoric, which came as the institution faced a zoning commission vote, has created a dangerous environment for students and families at the nearly 30-year-old educational institution.
Zoning Denial Follows Heated Public Hearing
On December 1, 2025, the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission rejected the Islamic Academy’s proposal to convert an office building into a school facility for relocation purposes. School administrator Stacy Abdein expressed deep concern about the nature of opposition at the public hearing, according to alpolitics.com.
“Unfortunately, many objections raised were unrelated to zoning criteria and instead reflected harmful stereotypes and conspiracy theories about Muslims and Islamic institutions,” Abdein stated in an official response from the academy.
Senator’s Remarks Draw National Attention
Tuberville escalated tensions by characterizing Islam as fundamentally incompatible with American values during an interview with Infowars, according to the Alabama Reporter. The senator, who is seeking to become Alabama’s next governor, described the religion as a “cult,” warned of “infiltration,” and suggested Muslims do not belong in the United States.
In Senate floor speeches delivered in October and November 2025, Tuberville called radical Islam a “death cult” and argued that “this poisonous religion, which I think is closer to a cult, is rapidly growing in this country,” according to official Senate transcripts.
School Community Condemns Harmful Characterizations
The Islamic Academy emphasized that such rhetoric contradicts the principles of religious freedom and inclusivity that define American values. “The negative characterizations of our school, students, and community are rooted in false assumptions, misinformation, and fear,” Abdein added, according to alpolitics.com.
The academy serves a diverse student body and has operated in Homewood for nearly three decades without concerns from city officials or neighbors, according to Alabama Daily News. The proposed relocation aimed to provide modern facilities for advanced learning in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Civil Rights Groups Sound Alarm
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights organization, has condemned Tuberville’s statements as “anti-Islam” and repeatedly requested the senator visit an Alabama mosque, according to the Alabama Reporter. Tuberville has not responded to those requests or met formally with members of Alabama’s Muslim community.
CAIR’s 2025 Civil Rights Report documented rising anti-Muslim incidents nationwide, with Alabama experiencing several high-profile cases of Islamophobia despite its relatively small Muslim population.
Future Perspective
The Islamic Academy of Alabama has withdrawn its Hoover relocation plans following the zoning rejection and subsequent controversy, according to Alabama Daily News. School officials remain open to continued dialogue with communities about legitimate concerns related to traffic, safety, and land use while maintaining their commitment to academic excellence and civic responsibility.
The academy continues to operate at its current Homewood location, where it provides accredited Pre-K through 12th-grade education focused on academic rigor, character development, and preparing students to contribute positively to their communities.