(COLUMBUS, OH – 7/1/2021) – On Thursday, July 1, 2021 the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) joined the Equal Districts Coalition in a press conference at the Ohio Statehouse to push for an open, transparent, and truly fair redistricting process that represents all of Ohio’s communities.
CAIR-Ohio Policy Director Tala Dahbour gave a statement on the disparate impact gerrymandering has on minority communities, specifically pointing to one of the largest Muslim communities in Central Ohio surrounding the Noor Islamic and Cultural Center (NICC). Dahbour highlighted that NICC is divided into two congressional and two statehouse districts, which undermines the collective voice of the community.
In a statement, Dahbour said:
“Gerrymandering is a calculated and dangerous practice undertaken by both political parties to diminish political power among geographic communities, and it disproportionately impacts minority groups who have less political influence as it is. The Muslim community, often being the subject of political discourse, should have adequate representation in the political process, as should be the case for all minority groups. We can’t achieve that without fair districts.”
As part of the Equal Districts Coalition and the Ohio Citizens’ Redistricting Commission, CAIR-Ohio is working to ensure Ohio Muslim communities are not left out, split up or ignored in this critical process.
On Saturday, July 10, CAIR-Ohio will be hosting a redistricting event at its Columbus office for community members interested in contributing to the fight against gerrymandering. Find more information here.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Watch the press conference here and learn more about redistricting here.
Check out these news articles about the press conference!
The Columbus Dispatch
Spectrum TV News
Gongwer
Public News Service
Mahoning Matters
Cleveland Scene
