Update on Petition: Meeting with AIC President and Request for Board of Trustees Contact Information

Dear valued signatories of the petition to Preserve the American Islamic College,

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,

We write to you today with an important update regarding the ongoing efforts to safeguard the American Islamic College (AIC) and our beloved masjid property. We deeply appreciate your support and want to keep you informed about the recent developments.

Meeting with the President of AIC:
The planned meeting for Thursday was postponed to Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11:00 am (Dhu al-Hijjah 12, 1444 AH). 

Request for Petition Correction:
During our meeting, the President expressed concerns regarding the inclusion of his name on the petition, citing potential risks to his personal safety. In light of this, we have made the necessary correction by removing the President's name and replacing it with the Board of Trustees. According to him, It is important to clarify that the Board of Trustees is responsible for the decision to sell the property, and we want to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.

Summary of Today's Meeting:
During the meeting, several important points were discussed, and we would like to provide you with a summary of the key takeaways:

1. Property Sale Decision: It was confirmed that the American Islamic College is bound by a decision to sell the property, which was made by the Board of Trustees. The primary objective of this decision is to minimize costs and acquire a more cost-effective building, aiming to secure the future and enhance the AIC.
2. Relocation Plans: The AIC is actively considering feedback from the community regarding the search for a new location within Chicago, including the current neighborhood. The intention is to find a new location that will, in sha Allah, include a masjid that will serve the community.
3. Transparency and Community Engagement: The President expressed a willingness to answer any questions from the community and emphasized the importance of transparency. Additionally, plans are underway to organize a town hall meeting with the community to address concerns and provide further clarity on the future of the AIC.
4. Saving the Masjid: While the primary focus of the AIC is to save the American Islamic College from financial collapse, the President acknowledged the community's concerns about the masjid. He expressed a willingness to arrange a session with the realtor to explore possibilities for preserving the current masjid's sacredness.
5. Seeking Support and Accountability: The President reached out to various organizations, including MCC and MEC, seeking funds or partnerships to support the AIC. Unfortunately, these requests were denied due to past corruption issues at the AIC, which have since been addressed through the removal of those involved.

Moving Forward:
In light of the ongoing situation, we are calling upon individuals and organizations with expertise in this field to step forward and help us strategize the next plan of action. As we continue to seek transparency and accountability, we aim to gather more information about the ongoing deal, including the nature of the contract and the entity responsible for the evaluation. Additionally, we will reach out to Alderman Angela Clay of the 46th ward to understand the current stage of this ongoing process.

We sincerely appreciate your unwavering support and encourage you to remain engaged and vigilant. Together, we can make a difference and protect the future of our masjid and the American Islamic College.

May Allah (SWT) guide our efforts, grant us wisdom, and unite us in this important endeavor.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Sadik Halilovic
Masjid Manager and Caretaker at the American Islamic College