CAIR-Ohio Condemns OSU’s Violent Crackdown on Peaceful Student Protesters, Demands University Respect Students’ Right to Free Speech

by Fadila Gitosuputro in 2024, April, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 4/26/2024) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today condemned the Ohio State University’s violent crackdown and alleged use of excessive force on students during an on-campus protest and demanded the administration adhere to its values of protecting the free speech rights of its students.

At least 41 protesters were arrested and charged with “criminal trespassing”, a majority of which were university students.

In a statement, CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox said:

“It is deeply concerning that OSU’s response to students demonstrating peacefully in solidarity with Palestine is forcible suppression of free speech and assembly. This mirrors a nationwide trend of colleges and universities attempting to censor pro-peace, anti-war, and pro-Palestine advocacy on campuses.

“It is alarming to receive reports of protesters having their hijabs ripped off and being arrested while in prayer, Muslim students are not just feeling unsafe on campus, but being actively criminalized. All students should feel safe while expressing their views and engaging in their right to assemble peacefully. We demand OSU immediately cease any further acts of repression against the protesters and take action to respect and protect the speech of its students.”

BACKGROUNDER:

SEE: Why are college students protesting? Ohio State, Miami University join Gaza protests

On Thursday, April 25, students set up an encampment at OSU’s South Oval as part of a “Gaza Solidarity” organized by Students for Justice in Palestine chapters at OSU, University of Cincinnati, University of Toledo, Miami University, Palestine Liberation Movement, Justice Unity & Social Transformation (JUST), Palestinian Women’s Association at OSU, Moritz Law Students for Justice in Palestine, Jews for Justice in Palestine, and Rising Tide Columbus—made up of OSU students, staff, faculty, and alumni, to protest the university’s investments tied to Israeli apartheid, and OSU’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) and State Troopers were deployed to break up the tent encampment. Video showcases that officers were making arrests as a group of protestors were in prayer.

SEE: Video: Protesters arrested at Ohio State University

Earlier in the day, OSU’s Department of Public Safety arrested a faculty member who was not part of any actions, and two graduate students. Videos filmed by student protesters depict their conversations with DPS officers, who were unable to provide the exact reason for students being told to leave the premises, even after fully complying with the constant changing of the University’s policies in order to criminalize students.

SEE: Video shows officers arresting man at OSU encampment, two others also arrested

SEE: Inside the five-hour standoff between police and protestors on the South Oval

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio has three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox, vhickcox@cair.com, 513-906-5728

ACTION ALERT: Message Congress on Passing $17B in Military Aid for Israel’s Genocide

by Fadila Gitosuputro in 2024, April, Recent News, Take Action
Take Action

Join the Council on American-Islamic Relations in letting your member of Congress know how you feel about their vote last weekend on a bill that would send $17 billion in unconditional military aid to the Israeli government.

If your representative voted against the $17 billion for Israel’s genocide, it’s important to thank them. If you representative voted for the funding, it’s important to express your disapproval.

Use CAIR’s click-and-send action alert to send a message to your U.S. Representative.

Although we are extremely disappointed with representatives who voted to send additional funding to aid the Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza, a historically large number of representatives opposed the bill. This is a sign of slowly but surely changing perspectives in Congress. 

Regardless of how your member voted, it’s important to let them know how you feel about their decision. 

Click here to take action.

New CAIR Civil Rights Report Reveals Highest Number of Complaints in Group’s 30-Year History

by Fadila Gitosuputro in 2024, April, Recent News

‘Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate’ documents 8,061 total complaints received nationwide in 2023, showing even higher spike than after Trump’s Muslim Ban 

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released its 2024 civil rights report, which reveals the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history, at a news conference at its Capitol Hill headquarters in Washington, D.C.   

SEE: 2024 Civil Rights Report: Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate   

WATCH THE NEWS CONFERENCE 

Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documents 8,061 complaints. Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.   

The report notes that the 2023 wave of anti-Muslim incidents was a 56 percent jump over the previous year and surpassed even the period following the implementation of President Trump’s Muslim Ban, which saw a 32 percent jump over the previous year.   

Immigration and asylum cases comprised 20% of total complaints received in 2023. Employment discrimination (15%), education discrimination (8.5%), and hate crimes and incidents (7.5%) are among the highest reported categories.    

“The data confirms what we have known for months. Since October 2023, a number of American politicians have blatantly promoted anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian rhetoric in a bid to justify the Israeli government’s genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza,” said CAIR Research & Advocacy Director Corey Saylor. “We are seeing the consequences of this reckless and racist targeting reflected in the data as one of the worst years of anti-Muslim hate recorded in CAIR’s 30-year history.”   

In its previous 2023 Civil Rights report, CAIR marked a first-ever decline in complaints reported to its offices. The report’s findings were considered an indication of progress toward mitigating the impact of Islamophobia in the US.   

SEE: 2023 Civil Rights Report: Progress in the Shadow of Prejudice   

In a statement, CAIR National Director Nihad Awad said: 

“The massive and unprecedented rise in complaints documented in CAIR’s civil rights data is almost certainly a result of the widespread use of anti-Muslim rhetoric and anti-Palestinian racism to justify the genocide in Gaza and silence Americans who have spoken out against it over the past several months. 

“We do not expect an end to the hateful attacks on our communities here until we see an end to the genocide in Gaza. We call on government agencies, companies and local communities to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire, reject hateful discrimination against American Muslims and others who speak up against the genocide, and take other steps recommended in our report so that our nation can make lasting progress in the fight to advance justice for all.” 

SEE: CAIR-Ohio, Muslim Community Issue Open Letter Urging Elected Officials to Take a Stand Against Israel’s Genocidal Actions, Rise of Anti-Muslim Hate 

The report also details dozens of anti-Muslim incidents that occurred in the United States in 2023.   

SEE: CAIR-Ohio Raises Alarm Over Dramatic Surge in Islamophobic Incidents Linked to Ongoing Crisis in Middle East 

The report also documents continued efforts to challenge the federal government’s watchlist in 2023, including a lawsuit with a dozen plaintiffs seeking an end to the government’s secret watchlist that almost exclusively targets Muslims for harassment and humiliation when they travel.   

SEE: Twenty Years Too Many: A Call to Unwind the FBI’s Secret Watchlist    

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CONTACT:  CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi, 614-763-6557, abarhumi@cair.com 

CAIR-Ohio Hosts 2nd Annual Statehouse Iftar in Collaboration with Rep. Munira Abdullahi 

by Fadila Gitosuputro in 2024, March, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 3/20/24) – On Thursday, March 14, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), hosted its 2nd Annual Statehouse Iftar, in collaboration with Representative Munira Abdullahi at the Ohio Statehouse. With a turnout exceeding 250 community members, the event fostered unity and reflection during the blessed month of Ramadan. 

The evening commenced with an inspiring opening by Representative Munira Abdullahi, followed by, Sheikh Basheer Mahmoud of Masjid Abu Hurairah delivering Quran recitation. The evening’s speakers included CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi, MAS PACE National Director Ismahan Abdullahi, Imam Abdurrahman Justin Wood, and poet Sara Abou Rashed. Each speaker brought unique perspectives, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and advocacy. 

CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi discussed the organization’s commitment amplifying voices, advocating for rights, and combating Islamophobia. She highlighted the organization’s work over the past year and announced the release of CAIR-Ohio’s 2023 Annual Report. The report notes a 156 percent increase in incident reports compared to 2022, with most coming in during the last quarter of the year. 

SEE: CAIR-Ohio Raises Alarm Over Dramatic Surge in Islamophobic Incidents Linked to Ongoing Crisis in Middle East 

CAIR-Ohio made a conscious decision to extend invitations exclusively to elected officials who have actively called for a ceasefire in Gaza.  

“Every evening this Ramadan, we gather and will continue to gather with heavy hearts as we witness the ethnic cleansing of our Palestinian brothers and sisters and contend with the fact that our own government and tax dollars are funding a genocide,” said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “We are thankful to have allies, that stand with us in solidarity, that hear us and see us, and respond and engage to the commitment for true liberation that includes all of us.” 

SEE: CAIR-Ohio Withdraws Support from Columbus City Council’s Annual Ramadan Iftar Over Failure to Call for Ceasefire 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio has three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. 

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557

CAIR Calls 9-0 U.S. Supreme Court Victory in Watchlist Case a ‘Historic Milestone for American Muslims’

by Fadila Gitosuputro in 2024, March, Recent News

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s 9-0 ruling allowing CAIR’s lawsuit challenging the federal No Fly List on behalf of Yonas Fikre to move forward over the government’s objection as a “historic milestone for Muslims.”

This case marked the first time that CAIR argued directly before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Yonas Fikre is an American Muslim who was tortured and imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates at the behest of American officials, and then stranded in Sweden because of his status on the No Fly List, after he refused pressure from the FBI to become an informant.

The government took Fikre off the list after CAIR filed suit and tried to argue that Fikre’s case was moot in order to avoid the threat of a court ruling declaring the watchlist unconstitutional. The FBI has previously removed over ten CAIR clients from the No Fly List in response to lawsuits filed by the civil rights group.

Today, the Supreme Court rejected the government’s argument that lawsuits like Fikre’s case are moot. In a unanimous opinion by Justice Gorsuch, the Court explained that the government’s declaration provided no assurances he would not be placed back on the list if he repeated whatever behavior the Government thought was grounds to put him on in the first place. 

The declaration was silent as to “whether the government might relist him if he does the same or similar things in the future—say, attend a particular mosque or refuse renewed overtures to serve as an informant.” So the Government did not prove “that it cannot reasonably be expected to resume its challenged conduct—whether the suit happens to be new or long lingering, and whether the challenged conduct might recur immediately or later at some more propitious moment.”

CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad lauded the decision: “CAIR has achieved a major victory at the Supreme Court and a historic milestone for American Muslims, including tens of thousands unjustly targeted by our government. We vow to continue our fight until the FBI’s secret watchlists no longer target our communities and undermine the Constitution. We congratulate our amazing legal team for this achievement, and we thank our supporters for entrusting CAIR to protect their rights.”

CAIR National Litigation Director Lena Masri added: “The court’s unanimous decision is a stinging rebuke of the FBI’s longstanding practice of avoiding accountability by removing innocent Muslims who challenge their listing in federal court.”

CAIR National Deputy Litigation Director Gadeir Abbas, who argued the case for Yonas Fikre before the Supreme Court on January 8th, hailed the decision. “The FBI cannot play whack-a-mole with the rights of Muslims. The FBI cannot place innocent Muslims on the No Fly List, only to then block that unconstitutional list from scrutiny by removing those Muslims whenever they file a lawsuit.”

CAIR Senior Litigation Attorney Justin Sadowsky noted that he looked forward to continuing the case. “If the Government is going to defend what it did to Yonas, then we will make sure a Court rules that what it did was illegal. The Government must change its ways if it wants to avoid judicial scrutiny of the No Fly List.”

READ: The Supreme Court’s Decision in FBI v. Fikre

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.              

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.      

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.             

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.            

Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook         

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Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.                   

You are receiving this email due to your interest selection from commercial media databases. If you would like to join CAIR’s media list, please sign up here: https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters — For more information, email: info@cair.com, CC ihooper@cair.com  

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CONTACT: CAIR Senior Litigation Attorney Gadeir Abbas, 720-251-0425, gabbas@cair.com; CAIR Trial Attorney Justin Sadowsky, 646-785-9154, jsadowsky@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-999-8292, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com

CAIR-Ohio Withdraws Support from Columbus City Council’s Annual Ramadan Iftar Over Failure to Call for Ceasefire

by Fadila Gitosuputro in 2024, March, Recent News

CAIR-Ohio has decided to withdraw its support from this year’s Columbus City Council Iftar event. We are deeply troubled by the ongoing genocide in Palestine and cannot, in good conscience, partake in festivities with those who refuse to acknowledge the unimaginable suffering that our brothers and sisters in Palestine endure. 

The City Council’s delay in passing a ceasefire resolution and the absence of supportive statements from Mayor Ginther, Council President Shannon Hardin, and Council Members Rob Doran, Nicholas Bankston, Nancy Day-Achauer, and Emmanuel Remy, represent glaring omissions in addressing the ongoing genocide. We thank Council Members Shayla Favors, Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Melissa Green, and Christopher L. Wyche, who have personally called for a ceasefire after hearing from our communities; however, it remains crucial that the City of Columbus as whole take immediate action to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and address the surge in Islamophobia locally. 

The staggering statistics of at least 31,726 lives lost, and more than 73,792 individuals injured in Gaza and the hundreds more in occupied West Bank, demand urgent attention and intervention. Federal, state, and local leaders, including our Council, must unequivocally stand against the atrocities being committed. It is our moral imperative to speak up when our government is funding and enabling this genocide and complicit in Israel’s human rights violations. 

We urge our Muslim community and allies to: 

  • Refrain from events that do not acknowledge or address the ongoing genocide 
  • Rescind and pause invitations to government officials until they recognize the violence and humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza and call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire 

We stand with and commend the community members who have continued to show up, pleading with the Council to call for a ceasefire, despite the intimidation and lack of support from the Council.  

This decision is a commitment of solidarity to stand with the oppressed, locally and abroad. 

Response Message for Those Invited:  

Thank you for extending the invitation to the Columbus City Council Iftar. However, considering the ongoing crisis in Palestine and the lack of meaningful action from the City Council and Mayor Ginther, I must respectfully decline to participate this year. My thoughts are with those who continue to suffer, and I stand in solidarity with efforts to address the root causes and promote peace, which cannot be achieved without justice. 

Important Information Update

by Fadila Gitosuputro in 2024, March, Recent News

Dear Community Members,

Assalamu Alaikum

Yesterday, the Ohio Supreme Court accepted the resignation of Romin Iqbal; he has forfeited his license and can no longer practice law as an attorney in Ohio.

We welcome this small win, as part of a larger accountability outcome. This is the beginning of closure for the community. As we have shared before, there will be consequences for those that betray the trust of colleagues and community members, and we will continue to update you as news unfolds inshAllah.

We thank those that stood in solidarity with us, and continue to do so, as we remain steadfast in our fight against Islamophobia in all its forms.

As Ramadan is upon us, we ask that you continue to support the organization, as our work to protect and empower the Muslim community frightens anti-Muslim hate groups and continues to be evidence that our work is crucial and necessary.

Click here for the Ohio Supreme Court acceptance of Mr. Iqbal’s resignation.

Click here for the Dispatch article.

CAIR-Ohio Hosts Imam Dawud Walid to Speak on Black Liberation x Palestine Event in Honor of Black History Month

by Fadila Gitosuputro in 2024, February, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 2/15/24) – On Tuesday, February 13, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), in collaboration with the Muslim American Society Columbus (MAS Columbus), hosted a Black Liberation educational event for the community.  The event aimed to shed light on the ongoing struggles for liberation and justice faced by Black and Brown communities, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Malcolm X as a revolutionary figure and a devoted Muslim. 

Imam Dawud Walid, Executive Director of CAIR-Michigan and author of the book “Blackness and Islam,” was the speaker of the event. Imam Dawud brought valuable insights into the intersections of race, religion, and activism, guiding attendees through an exploration of Malcolm X’s profound impact as a civil and human rights activist for Black Americans in the United States.  

Participants from diverse backgrounds and age groups engaged in discussions about the systemic challenges for Black Americans, delving into the parallels between their struggles and the injustices faced by the Palestinian people in Palestine. These connections highlighted the shared experiences of oppression and the need for solidarity across communities. 

Malcolm X, known for his unwavering commitment to justice, stated, “True Islam taught me that it takes all of the religious, political, economic, psychological, and racial ingredients, or characteristics, to make the Human Family and the Human Society complete.” 

“The event served as a catalyst for dialogue, reflection, and collective action, empowering attendees to confront systemic injustices,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.    

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557 

CAIR-Ohio Holds Second Annual Masajid Retreat to Empower Ohio Muslim Leaders

by Fadila Gitosuputro in 2024, February, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 2/14/24) – On Saturday, February 11, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) hosted its second annual Masajid Retreat at the CAIR-Ohio Columbus office. Over 35 masajid leaders from across Ohio convened to strategize and strengthen their collective influence, aiming to empower Muslim communities throughout the state. 

CAIR-Ohio’s Executive Director Amina Barhumi facilitated the event with discussions on effective strategies to amplify community voices amidst the prevailing challenges of increased Islamophobia in our communities and across the nation. The retreat provided a valuable platform for masajid leaders to share their experiences, fostering collaboration and enhancing relationships within the Muslim community, thus reinforcing our network.  

In collaboration with Oaktree Institute, CAIR-Ohio continued its commitment to empowering communities by providing Fund-Development Training during the retreat. This specialized training, facilitated by Nadeem Riaz, equipped masajid leaders with insightful tactics for successful fundraising efforts during Ramadan. The session aimed to enhance their outreach initiatives and broaden funding opportunities, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and growth of their respective institutions. 

“CAIR-Ohio remains dedicated to fostering resilience within Muslim communities and addressing the challenges they face,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. “The Masajid Retreat stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment to empowering leaders, building networks, and ensuring the continued growth and strength of Ohio’s Muslim communities.” 

For more information on how to join the CAIR-Ohio Masajid Network, contact CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox vhickcox@cair.com | 513-906-5728. 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.  

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557 

CAIR-Ohio Hosts 100+ Attendees at 5th Annual Muslim Statehouse Advocacy Day, FeaturingCongresswoman Rashida Tlaib as Keynote Speaker

by Fadila Gitosuputro in 2024, February, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 2/14/24) – On Thursday, February 9, more than 100 Muslims from across Ohio gathered at the Statehouse for Muslim Advocacy Day, to meet with over 20 legislative offices during CAIR-Ohio’s 5th Annual Muslim Advocacy Day event focusing on bills related to religious accommodation, addressing the pay gap, and protecting Ohio schools from extremist curriculum.

This year, CAIR-Ohio teamed up with MAS-Columbus, and partners: American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) Toledo, Abubakar Assidiq Islamic Center, Ahlul Bayt Society of Columbus, Islamic Center of Mason Learning Academy, Islamic Center of Centerville, Somali Islamic Centers of Ohio, Noor Islamic Cultural Center, Islamic Society of Greater Dayton, Islamic Council of Dayton, and Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati.

Ohio Representative Munira Abdullahi (OH – D9) welcomed attendees to the Statehouse and introduced CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi who discussed “our power” as a collective and transforming data into action. Ameer Abdulrahman, a policy advisor and General Secretary at Muslim Americans in Public Service (MAPS), led a dynamic session on legislative advocacy, equipping attendees with the tools to amplify their voices effectively. 

The highlight of the day came with the electrifying presence of Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, whose impassioned speech underscored the vital role of Muslim civic engagement in combating injustice at all levels of government. 
 
Attendees then ate lunch and split into groups to meet with different legislative offices from all over the state to advocate on the following bills:  

Support: SB 49 – Religious Expression Days “R.E.D.” Act  

Support: HB 115 – Equal Pay Act 

Oppose: HB 103 – Establish the Ohio Social Studies Standards Task Force to develop new social studies academic standards 

Reflecting on the event’s significance, CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox emphasized, “This advocacy day is just the beginning. It’s a stepping stone for Muslim community members to gain invaluable skills and knowledge, empowering them to advocate on a myriad of issues and build upon this momentum.” 

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.   

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557