The Arab American Community Center (AACC) has issued a statement responding to a social media post by Youngstown's city council president-elect, Anita Davis.

The post from Davis' Facebook account to congratulate a retiring Youngstown police officer read, "Today was his last day of work at YPD after 25 years of service. I remember when we first met, it was at a Star Trek movie outing. We all thought he was an Arab terrorist."

The comment led Arab American Community Center President Suhad A. Hadi to issue the following statement:

Dear City Council Members,

I am writing to express deep concern and disappointment regarding recent remarks made by Youngstown City Council’s President-elect, Anita Davis. In her recent post congratulating a member of the police force on his retirement, she recalled once thinking he was an “Arab terrorist”. This comment not only took away from the sincerity and focus of her message but raised concerns within members of our community about her perpetuation of stereotypes that continue to foster division and reinforce discriminatory mindsets.

It should be without saying that every public official holds a position of trust and authority. Words matter. They carry weight and will influence and shape public discourse and policy. Even more important, those words will signal to the community whose voices are valued and whose are dismissed. After months of attending City Council meetings and exposing the rhetoric that our community deals with at local, state, and national levels, it is disappointing and insulting to have the President use such derogatory speech. When statements blatantly target or dehumanize communities based on race or ethnicity, they will normalize prejudice, create unsafe environments, and marginalize entire populations.

The Arab community is woven into the very thread of Youngstown and the entire greater Mahoning Valley. Our community members are leaders in small businesses, schools, hospitals, clinics, restaurants, management, and the universities that help our city to grow and thrive. Our community deserves leadership guided by respect, accuracy, and inclusivity. We must reject rhetoric that misrepresents people, fuels bias, and ignores the lived realities of those who face systemic barriers.

Speaking out signals that our city and its leaders stand against racism in all its forms, whether overt, implied or embedded in misunderstanding. Future communications from elected officials must reflect the values of accountability, integrity, and dignity for every member of our community. We respectfully request that this matter be addressed to ensure that our leadership reflects the standards expected of those entrusted with serving the public. We urge the council to acknowledge the harm caused and affirm the city’s commitment to equity and respect for all residents. We request that the Council take meaningful corrective action, including public clarification, apology, anti-bias education, and other appropriate steps. Silence in the face of such rhetoric risks normalizing it.

I, along with our community members, thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to our city’s continued growth and look forward to seeing our city reaffirm its commitment to equity, inclusion, and factual, respectful discourse.

Respectfully,

Suhad A. Hadi, DPM
Arab American Community Center President

The letter was sent to Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown, Mayor-elect Derrick McDowell and all City Council members.

The post from Davis' Facebook account has since been edited, removing the 'terrorist' comment.

21 News has reached out to Davis for comment, but has not heard back as of the publishing of this story.