A protest against Fox News host Jeanine Pirro — who was scheduled to speak Thursday at St. Barnabas’ Founder’s Day fundraiser — went on even though the political commentator canceled her appearance because of the death of her mother.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations organized the demonstration after Ms. Pirro wondered on her show whether the hijab worn by new U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., was “indicative of her adherence to Sharia law” and “antithetical to the United States Constitution.”
Safdar Khwaja, president of the Pittsburgh chapter of CAIR, said it didn’t matter that Ms. Pirro did not come.
“The message, I believe, has been delivered, and that’s among the best things we can do,” Mr. Khwaja said.
About 75 people, some with other social justice organizations and some who came on their own, joined the rally outside Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry, where the fundraiser was held. Protesters held signs with messages that included, “Don’t pretend racism in patriotism,” and, “St. Barnabas, why are you rewarding hate?”
After Ms. Pirro made the comments about Ms. Omar March 9 on “Justice With Judge Jeanine,” Fox News condemned her remarks, and several people called or wrote the 10 lead sponsors of the St. Barnabas event, asking them to withdraw support.
At least three of them — Trib Total Media, Dollar Bank and UPMC Health Plan — did so.
Hassan Bakri, a dentist who worked for St. Barnabas as an independent contractor for 16 years, said he wanted to meet with the St. Barnabas CEO to express concerns from the local Muslim community about Ms. Pirro’s appearance. But he said the CEO, William Day, explained that it was a free speech issue and declined to meet with him.
“We respect free speech, we do cherish it in America,” Mr. Bakri said. “But when it comes to false speech, that is counterproductive and divisive.”
St. Barnabas officials could not be reached for comment.
Andrew Goldstein: agoldstein@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1352.
First Published: April 26, 2019, 10:26 a.m.