Gaston County Board of Education member Tod Kinlaw, who represents South Point Township, is under intense fire after sharing an anti‑Islam post on Facebook that quickly bounced through local social networks. The post has since been deleted, but not before it drew sharp criticism from parents, civil‑rights groups and community leaders, putting the board’s expectations for elected members under a bright spotlight. The timing is touchy for Kinlaw, who is running for re‑election this year, and the uproar has only heightened scrutiny of his seat.
Local leaders, including the president of the NAACP’s Gastonia branch, have publicly called on Kinlaw to resign and argue the post was harmful to Muslim students and their families. The school board chair has responded by stressing that members are held to high standards, while also noting that one member’s actions do not automatically represent the entire board. As reported by The Charlotte Observer, Kinlaw deleted the post after it spread online.
Community Reaction And Upcoming Board Meeting
Muslim community leader Jibril Hough told The Charlotte Observer he expects Kinlaw either to be removed or to offer a formal apology and complete sensitivity training, warning that the post "could embolden mistreatment of Muslim families and harm Muslim students." Hough plans to bring those concerns directly to the Gaston County Board of Education at its April 20 meeting, and advocates say they will push the district to spell out stronger protections for affected students.
Board Response And What’s Next
Gaston County Schools lists Kinlaw as the South Point representative with a term that runs through 2026, and earlier reporting by WFAE notes he was elected in 2022 and works in drywall sales. So far, the board’s public response has largely consisted of restating expectations around member conduct while leaders decide whether further action or additional community outreach is needed. Residents who want to track what happens next can review the district’s meeting schedule and public comment rules on the board’s website.
What To Watch
Community leaders intend to press the issue at the April 20 board meeting. Key questions include whether Kinlaw issues a public apology and whether the board adopts any new measures relating to member conduct. The controversy could also influence local conversations heading into November’s elections, particularly if plaintiffs or advocacy groups push for formal remedies beyond public criticism. This story will be updated with any official statements from Kinlaw or the district after the meeting.
