Alabama Town Blocks Islamic Academy From Expanding

A packed and emotionally charged zoning board meeting this week in Hoover, Alabama, ended with unanimous rejection of a proposal to relocate a Muslim K-12 school.

The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 to deny rezoning the property on Corporate Drive from office use to accommodate the Islamic Academy of Alabama, citing concerns about traffic congestion, adherence to long-term city development plans, and the precedent such a zoning change might set. The meeting drew nearly 200 residents, filling the city council chamber and spilling into hallways as opponents voiced their objections — some focused on practical issues, others on cultural unease.

The potential move has sparked both practical and cultural debate in the community.

Several residents insisted their opposition stemmed from concern over already clogged roads. Meadowbrook resident Nancy Cooper pointed out that six schools serving more than 5,600 students already feed traffic into Highway 119, often turning it into what she called “a parking lot.” A petition opposing the plan gathered over 1,700 signatures. “It’s not about religion,” said resident Jeff Wilson, who started the petition. “It’s about traffic.”

Some attendees held signs warning of an Islamic “100-year plan” and comparing Hoover’s future to the Muslim-majority city of Dearborn, Michigan. Others openly suggested the school’s presence would drive away business or hurt property values.

The last speaker read a prepared statement in which she said Muslims had implemented a “long-term cultural takeover” in Britain, drawing applause. Commission Chairman Mike Wood interrupted to say that what she was saying was not germane to the discussion, saying, “We are here to look at whether this school was appropriately placed. We’re not here for that. I’m sorry. We’re not going to listen to that.” Some members of the crowd yelled in response, coming to the woman’s defense.

Though Monday’s vote is only advisory, it sends the proposal to the Hoover City Council, where a final decision will be made.