Gaston County School Board Member Faces Backlash Over Anti-Islamic Social Media Post

Community leaders call for dismissal and resignation of Tod Kinlaw following controversial comments about Islam

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:23am

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty school hallway with a single locker in the foreground, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, creating a sense of isolation and tension.The controversial social media post by a Gaston County school board member has cast a somber, divisive shadow over the district's diverse student population.Charlotte Today

Gaston County School Board Member Tod Kinlaw is facing backlash from the local Islamic community and NAACP after posting controversial comments on social media describing Islam as a 'satanic cult.' Leaders from the Islamic Center of Charlotte and the NAACP have criticized the post and are calling for Kinlaw's immediate dismissal, stating that he is 'promoting Islamophobia' as an elected official overseeing public schools.

Why it matters

As an elected member of the Gaston County School Board, Kinlaw's personal views on religion could have a significant impact on policies and the learning environment for the district's diverse student population. Community leaders argue his statements create a dangerous and divisive atmosphere that puts Muslim students at risk.

The details

In the since-deleted social media post, Kinlaw labeled Allah as 'Satan' and Muhammad as a 'false prophet.' He defended his actions as a matter of free speech, stating that his religious convictions as a 'born-again believer in Christ' are the basis for his opposition to Islamic ideology. However, Kinlaw acknowledged some regret for the 'undue public view' the controversy has brought to others.

  • Kinlaw made the controversial social media post on March 29, 2026.

The players

Tod Kinlaw

A member of the Gaston County School Board who posted controversial comments about Islam on social media.

Jibril Hough

A spokesperson for the Islamic Center of Charlotte who released a statement calling for Kinlaw's dismissal.

Sean Bates

The president of the Gaston County NAACP who argued that Kinlaw's statements create a dangerous environment for students and staff.

Gaston County School Board

The elected board that oversees the public school district, which released a statement noting they do not have the legal authority to remove an elected member from office.

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What they’re saying

“That was my post, I did it, the most revered speech in all of America is political free speech.”

— Tod Kinlaw, Gaston County School Board Member

“I think the Gaston County School Board should seek his immediate dismissal. There should be no room for anyone in a position of leadership in our public/government schools promoting such Islamophobic propaganda.”

— Jibril Hough, Spokesperson, Islamic Center of Charlotte

“You aren't just putting students in danger, you're also creating a divisive system inside of each school that can openly run now.”

— Sean Bates, President, Gaston County NAACP

What’s next

The Gaston County School Board has stated they do not have the legal authority to remove an elected member from office. However, community leaders have called for Kinlaw's immediate dismissal or voluntary resignation.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the delicate balance between an elected official's personal beliefs and their responsibility to represent all constituents, especially in a public education setting. The incident has raised concerns about promoting inclusivity and ensuring the safety of all students, regardless of their religious or cultural background.