HERALD-WHIG: Quincy rights board calls for unity amid alderman Islamophobia controversy
Local Muslim resident appeals to Human Rights Commission on Oct. 1, 2026, calling for better informed public debates about Islamic beliefs. (H-W Photo/Michael Penn)
Michael Penn | Posted October 3, 2026 2:00 am
QUINCY — The Quincy Human Rights Commission voted unanimously Thursday evening to call for safety, dignity, and civil discourse in the community, adding another official response to weeks of controversy surrounding social media posts by 3rd Ward Alderman Mike Adkins.
The resolution, which will be formally submitted to Mayor Linda Moore and the Quincy City Council for consideration, comes in the wake of public outcry over anti-Muslim social media posts shared by 3rd Ward Alderman Mike Adkins. However, the document stops short of levying specific sanctions, issuing a censure, or directly naming Adkins. Instead, the measure offers a broad affirmation of First Amendment rights alongside a call for responsible civic leadership.
“Nothing in this resolution is intended to prohibit, censor, or punish constitutionally protected expression,” the document states. It adds, however, that “civic leadership also carries an opportunity and responsibility to model the kind of discourse that allows disagreement without dehumanization.”
The vote followed an emotional public comment period during Thursday’s meeting. Representatives of the local Muslim community, area clergy, and residents addressed the commission, highlighting both the personal impact of recent rhetoric and a desire for unity.
The resolution affirmed that “every person who calls Quincy home deserves to feel safe, welcomed, respected, and able to participate fully in the life of this community without fear of hostility or discrimination because of who they are, where they come from, whom they love, or how they worship.”
Addressing the commission, a representative from the Islamic Center of Quincy shared core teachings from the Quran emphasizing religious freedom, peace, and neighborly responsibility.
“As Muslims, we are not allowed to force anyone to believe what we believe,” she said. Citing prophetic traditions on caring for surrounding neighbors, she added, “If you need to know anything about Islam, please seek out the people who actually know about it… My advice to anyone who wants to know anything about Islam: please love your neighbors, because we love you.”
Support for the Muslim community was echoed by local interfaith leaders. The Rev. Brett A. Gosteli, pastor of Lutheran Memorial Church, read a joint statement on behalf of the Quincy Area Ministerial Association. Signed by a dozen local pastors and church leaders, the letter cited Quincy’s historical legacy as a “city of refuge” for persecuted groups and urged city leaders to stand firmly against religious discrimination.
Commission members emphasized that the resolution was intended to unify rather than punish.
Despite the commission’s unanimous support, the resolution’s general language reflects a softer stance than the direct accountability sought by some civil rights groups and local activists. Organizations such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) had previously urged the City Council to take direct action against Adkins following his online comments.
By framing the issue around general principles and constitutionally protected speech, the commission’s proposal aims to navigate the delicate line between free speech protections and community standards for elected officials.
The resolution officially asks the Mayor and City Council to join the commission in affirming the principles. The City Council is expected to receive the resolution at its upcoming meeting on Monday, Oct. 5, where community members are again expected to speak during public comment.