Washington, D.C. – This week, travel website Kayak.com appeared to follow the poor example set by home improvement retailer Lowe’s, when it, too, decided to pull future advertising from the TLC program “All-American Muslim.” Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy released the following statement today criticizing the company for its “hypocritical behavior”:
I was surprised last week when I saw Lowe’s pull its ads from TLC’s “All-AmericanMuslim” and even more surprised to hear today that Kayak.com plans to cease running its ads as well.
Shame on Kayak for its hypocritical behavior. Though Kayak.com said its decision was unrelated to the controversy, its actions do not reflect the values it claims to espouse. Any time that words and actions conflict, I take more seriously the actions.
Advertisers certainly have the right to decide where they run their ads, but it is disappointing to see a company feed into the fear mongering facing the American Muslim community. We are a pluralistic society that values freedom of speech and freedom of religion. It is sad to see one used to diminish the other.
Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.