US School Board Member Faces Resignation Calls Over Post Describing Islam as a “Political Cult” By Islam Global News Editorial Desk Published: 6 November 2026 Location: Jacksonville, Florida, United States Category: World News | US Politics | Religious Freedom A controversy has emerged in Jacksonville, Florida, after a social media post reportedly shared by Duval County School Board member Tony Ricardo described Islam as a “political cult masquerading as a faith.” The Council on American-Islamic Relations' Florida chapter (CAIR-Florida) has called for Ricardo's resignation, arguing that the post's language is inappropriate for an elected official responsible for public education. The controversy has also drawn responses from local political leaders, school board members, and religious organisations, raising questions about religious inclusion and public officials' responsibility to students from different faith communities. What Did the Controversial Post Say? The Facebook post contained several statements attacking Islam, including the description of the religion as an “invasive political cult.” It also questioned whether Islam should be recognised as a religion and made claims about the Quran and jihad. The statements prompted criticism from Muslim civil rights organisations and community representatives. Action News Jax initially reported that Ricardo appeared to have shared the post. The broadcaster said it could not independently verify the original sharing because his Facebook account was private at the time. Other local reporting subsequently described the post as having been reshared through a social media group. Ricardo did not respond to requests for comment from the local news organisations at the time of publication. CAIR Florida Demands Resignation and Apology CAIR-Florida Communications Director Wilfredo Ruiz called on Ricardo to resign and issue an apology to the Muslim community. The organisation argued that people entrusted with public education responsibilities should demonstrate respect towards students and families of every religious background. CAIR-Florida also raised concerns about the impact of anti-Muslim rhetoric on children attending public schools. Its November 3 statement described the reported content as hateful and called for accountability. Jacksonville Mayor and Local Leaders Respond Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan criticised the reported post, stating that Muslim students, like students of every other faith, should feel welcome and safe in their schools. City Council member Jimmy Peluso also called for Ricardo's resignation, arguing that elected school officials must serve all children and families. School Board member Darryl Willie separately condemned language that attacks or marginalises an entire religious community. He said Muslim students, families and employees deserve to feel respected and valued. Other School Board Members Reject the Message School Board member Melody Bolduc publicly disagreed with the message attributed to Ricardo. She said Islam is a religion and that describing it as an invasive political cult unfairly disparages people of that faith. Bolduc also said an apology to the Muslim community would be appropriate. Another board member, Reginald Blount, emphasised that respect for religious freedom should apply equally to all faiths. School District Clarifies Its Position Duval County Public Schools issued a statement explaining that the views expressed by individual school board members represent their personal perspectives and do not constitute the collective position of the school board or the school district. The clarification was intended to distinguish an individual elected official's social media activity from the institution's official position. Why the Controversy Matters for Muslim Students The dispute has raised broader questions about religious representation and the school environment in the United States. Public school board members have responsibilities involving policies that affect children, parents, teachers and staff from different religious and cultural backgrounds. For Muslim families, the controversy has renewed concerns about whether public institutions will provide an environment in which their children can participate without religious prejudice. The issue also highlights the distinction between freedom of expression and the public accountability expected of elected officials. What Happens Next? As of November 6, 2026, CAIR-Florida and several local figures had called for Ricardo to resign or apologise. However, the sources reviewed reported no confirmed resignation or formal removal from office. Ricardo's response to the controversy also remained unavailable in the published reports. The issue is therefore likely to remain part of the local debate over religious freedom, public leadership and the responsibility of elected education officials. Islam Global News Editorial Desk