Coalition Denounces Islamophobic Speaker Event Hosted by SD Military Heritage Alliance

July 9, 2024 A coalition of three dozen legislators, organizations, faith and community leaders representing the diversity and strength of our communities has come together to denounce South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance hosting Shahram Hadian in Sioux Falls, SD on July 9th and July 10th. Hadian came to Sioux Falls in October 2017 and was met with hundreds of protestors outside of his event. In a recent marketing video he mentioned that it was time he came back to Sioux Falls to “awaken the people...and push back on the agenda and enemy in Sioux Falls.”  
  
Hadian claims to be a former Muslim from Iran who “...left the darkness of Islam into the light of Jesus,” and spews hateful misinformation and disinformation about Islam and Muslims, Christians and Christianity, practitioners of interfaith work and other marginalized communities.  
  
“People like Hadian prey on the vulnerabilities of rural America by spreading misinformation and disinformation to create hate and mistrust,” said Taneeza Islam, CEO of SD Voices for Peace. “By hosting this hate speaker, we clearly know what the values of the Military Heritage Alliance are. Private institutions are not bound by the First Amendment's "free speech" clause, only government entities cannot restrict speech. They may welcome this speaker, but the greater community of Sioux Falls does not welcome his imported hate.”   
 
Migdad Mustafa, veteran of the US Marines and resident of Sioux Falls for over 20 years says, “The Military alliance hosting a speaker that promotes hate and pure lies, is shameful. This is not what the military community believes or condones and most importantly not what our beautiful community believes.” 
 
SD Senator Liz Larson (D-10) explains, “The nature of Shaham Hadian’s messages, in “We Will Not Comply:  The Battle Between Obeying God vs. Government”, strike me as being counter to what the United States Military, as defenders of our constitution stand for, as well as those organizations that serve veterans.  Our Military is a fundamental, central part of the United States Government and is tasked with defending our democracy.  I am confused by the disconnect." 


Coalition comments: 
  
“Hadian’s teachings are intended to harm and instill fear in all who do not share in his extreme hateful beliefs. Islamophobia has no place in South Dakota and our vibrant and diverse Muslim communities belong here,” said Jen Dreiske COO of SD Voices for Peace and Project Manager of SD Faith in Public Life.   
  
“Just last month, a group of neo-Nazis stood upon the steps of the SD State Capitol spreading hate and violence. I reject Hadian’s demeaning rhetoric and call upon the Sioux Falls community to stand against Islamophobia and attacks on differing faith traditions,” said Rep. Kameron Nelson (SD-10). “We must live in compassion and work toward understanding in this time when chaotic forces insist on dividing us. We will not let them.” 
 
"A constituent pointed this event out to me as disturbing.  I was immediately confused by this being hosted at the SD Military Heritage Alliance, a respected institution with upstanding community investors, as well as associations with every major veterans and military organization in South Dakota.  The nature of Shaham Hadian’s messages, in “We Will Not Comply:  The Battle Between Obeying God vs. Government”, strike me as being counter to what the United States Military, as defenders of our constitution stand for, as well as those organizations that serve veterans.  Our Military is a fundamental, central part of the United States Government and is tasked with defending our democracy.  I am confused by the disconnect." (Sen. Liz Larson) 
 
“We as a city, need to come together against Islamophobia and promote inclusivity,” said Susan Williams, Executive Director at the Transformation Project Advocacy Network. “Sioux Falls thrives on diversity, and while some like Hadian attempt to spread misinformation and create fear, many people in our community are looking to create a safe place for all to feel welcome.” 
 
“We will not tolerate such disrespect against another marginalized group. We all must stand up against hate, no matter where it comes from. It’s as simple as that,” said Elliott Morehead, CEO and Founder of South Dakota Youth Activism.  
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Organization Mission Statements 
SD Voices for Peace builds power and enables healing in immigrant, refugee and Muslim communities by amplifying their voices and working in solidarity with all who dismantle bigotry and racism.   
Transformation Project Advocacy Network’s mission is to advocate for the dignity and well-being of transgender South Dakotans. Through social and political action, we partner with all South Dakotans to confidently advocate for transgender equality and justice.  
 
LEAD (Leaders Engaged And Determined) is a grassroots organization aimed at bringing awareness to issues facing South Dakota, the United States, and abroad. LEAD exists to foster a community of individuals who empower and encourage women to be actively involved in all stages of the political process in order to effect positive change for women and families in South Dakota. 
 
The Brookings Human Rights Commission (BHRC) is a volunteer board charged with improving human relations in the Brookings, SD, area by fighting discrimination through education and a complaint resolution procedure. The BHRC seeks to protect the rights of and prevent and eliminate bias and discrimination against individuals and groups. 
 
South Dakota Youth Activism is a platform that empowers young activists to stand for the rights of LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, BIPOC, and underrepresented South Dakotans  through education, legislative action, and community engagement. 
 
Rep. Erin Healy (SD-10) 
Rep. Kameron Nelson (SD-10) 
Rep. Kadyn Wittman (SD-15) 
Cathy Brechtelsbauer 
Rev. Becky Pagone  
Olimpia Justice 
Chandradhar Dwivedi  
Mohammad Zeeshan Qamar 
Rev. Philip Thompson  
Rev. Jean Morrow 
Rev. Dr. Christina O’Hara 
Gwyneth Dean-Fastnacht, Ed.S. 
Senator Liz Larson (District 10) 
Andrine Stricherz 
Rev. Carl Kline 
Carrie Hansen 
Candace Grant 
Pauline Poletes 
Willette A. Capers 
LEAD South Dakota 
SD Voices for Peace 
Brookings Human Rights Commission 
Transformation Project Advocacy Network 
SD Youth Activism 
Rev. Dr. Marcia M. Sietstra 
Beth Walz Davis 
Reverend Sam Houser 
Sen. Reynold F. Nesiba (SD-15) 
Julian Beaudion  
Shireen Ranschau 
Jessica Meyers 
Sharon Schulz-Elsin 
John Cunningham 
Erik Hanson  
Linda Duba (SD-10)