(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 07/24/2020) – On Tuesday, July 22, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) testified against Senate Bill 317, a bill that would drastically reduce the safety training requirements for teachers carrying guns in Ohio elementary, middle and high schools. In the absence of statewide training and oversight, Ohio schools could choose to send their teachers and staff to dangerous private training programs that promote anti-Muslim bigotry and stereotyping. SEE VIDEO: Government Affairs and Development Director Usjid Hameed testified on CAIR-Ohio’s behalf.
During his testimony, Hameed spoke about one of these private training programs, FASTER:
“Associating Muslims with violence in the manner FASTER does create a toxic and dangerous environment for Muslim students that may lead to increased racial profiling and disciplinary action against them, and even death. The passage of SB317 would clear the way for schools to send their employees to FASTER and/or other concerning training programs…. There are a number of ways to keep our students safe in schools. This is not one of them.”
CAIR-Ohio also issued an Action Alert urging all Ohioans to call on their Senators to oppose this bill. SEE: CAIR-Ohio Action Alert
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Government Affairs Director Usjid Hameed, 410-805-4215, uhameed@cair.comabarhumi@cair.com
