Open Letter to the Board of Trustees: Seeking Clarity on Recent Decisions
Dear Board of Trustees,
As-salamu alaykum,
In light of recent developments, we are compelled to address you openly and honestly, not only as custodians of the American Islamic College (AIC), but as individuals who hold the fate of this institution and its legacy in your hands.
It is with heavy hearts that we observe the path AIC has taken under the leadership of Dr. Timothy J. Gianotti. We are left to wonder how a man who had his AIC credit card blocked for maxing it out could be trusted with making monumental decisions about the institution's future. It was you, the Board of Trustees, who took the necessary action to rein him in. We also know he is using AIC funds and resources for his personal expenses.
Furthermore, we recall instances where AIC's leadership claimed financial struggles as the reason for their decisions. Yet, when opportunities for financial relief emerged, they were inexplicably dismissed. The German school's interest in renting space was declined, as was a dispatcher company's inquiry. Even a brother from Saudi Arabia who extended an offer of assistance received no response.
We question how Dr. Gianotti was granted the authority to choose the buyer for AIC's property.
In the face of these perplexing circumstances, we implore the Board of Trustees to provide us with answers:
What criteria were employed to determine the buyer? How can we be assured that the chosen buyer aligns with the institution's values and future aspirations? What considerations were made in arriving at the sale price? How was the substantial disparity between the 33 million offer and the 12 million sale price justified? Why was the decision to sell kept from some board members? What necessitated this lack of transparency? We understand that decisions of this magnitude are complex and multifaceted. Yet, as a community that holds the AIC close to our hearts, we believe we have a right to be informed and involved in matters that profoundly impact its future.
We were astonished to learn that some members of the Board of Trustees were kept in the dark about crucial aspects of this decision. It is deeply concerning that the building handed over to the new owners in the first phase was housing the masjid, a fact that was not communicated to all trustees. How can such a significant detail be omitted in discussions?
Equally baffling is the matter of Dr. Timothy J. Gianotti's reported salary. While official records indicate a salary of 125,400 dollars for 2022, recent information has come to light suggesting that he actually received 200,000 dollars for eight active students. This inconsistency and stark contrast raise pertinent questions about the allocation of resources and decision-making during times of financial distress and also raises concerns about the accuracy of the financial reporting and further erodes the trust we place in the leadership.
We understand that there might be complex circumstances and intricate decisions behind these developments. However, we implore you, the Board of Trustees, to engage with us transparently and openly. We seek clarity on the decision-making process that led to the destruction of the masjid and the sale of the property. We want to understand how such crucial decisions were reached and whether they align with the values and vision of the American Islamic College.
What about the promises made to the community? For years, Sadik from the AIC Masjid Community sought reassurances from Dr. Gianotti, who consistently stated that everything was under control that he was working to save the institution. The community rallied, proposing to buy the property to preserve its legacy, only to be met with the response that the word had already been given to the new buyer. A buyer who purchased a property reportedly offered $33 million a year earlier for a mere $12 million. Such a substantial difference raises questions about the motivations behind this decision.
The heartache truly deepens as we witness the destruction of the Masjid itself – a symbol of unity, worship, and community for decades. It is perplexing that Sadik, who stood with tears streaming down his face as the Masjid was being demolished, was subsequently denied access to the temporary Masjid created in the basement, all because his name was associated with this petition.
Our faith in the Board of Trustees has been shaken, and it is our fervent hope that this letter serves as a catalyst for renewed transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement. We are committed to working together to navigate these challenges and to rekindle the trust that is paramount in our collective mission.
In this time of uncertainty, we turn to you, the Board of Trustees, the guardians of AIC's integrity and values. We beseech you to uncover the truth behind these decisions, to question the motives that led to the destruction of the Masjid, the selling of a property at a fraction of its value, and the alleged financial discrepancies.
We understand that the road ahead is complex, but it is in your hands to ensure that transparency, accountability, and justice prevail. AIC's legacy is not just in its buildings; it lives on in the hearts of those who believe in its mission. We urge you to reclaim the institution's reputation and restore its promise, for the sake of those who came before and for those who will follow.
May Allah guide your decisions and grant you the wisdom to lead AIC towards a future worthy of its legacy.
With utmost respect,
Concerned Members of the AIC Community
P.S. This Letter is addressed to the Board of Trustees of American Islamic College: H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha (Chairman), Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, Dr. Saleh Al-Suhaibani, Mr. Nasser Abdallah H. Al-Zaabi, Mr. Ahmed El-Hattab
(Treasurer & Interim Secretary-General of the BOT), Mr. Shahid Husain, Ms. Nadine Karachi-Estrada, Mr. Muddassar Ahmed, Imam Hassan Aly, Dr. Aisha El-Amin (Chair of the Board Steering Committee (BSC)), Dr. Jaleel Abdul-Adil, Dr. Abdullah Yavas, Mr. Marcus Muhammad