Author: Victoria Hickcox

The August 8 Special Election is quickly approaching—make sure your vote is counted. CAIR-Ohio urges you to ensure your voter registration is active in order to vote in this key election. The deadline to register to vote for the special election is July 10. 

On August 8, only Issue 1 will be on your ballot—which aims to permanently end majority rule in Ohio. A NO VOTE defends majority rule and the sacred principle of ‘one person, one vote’. 

Politicians and special interests deliberately wrote Issue 1 to be confusing. If an issue needs 60% to pass, what that really means is that 40% of voters can veto the will of the majority on any issue. That means a small number of people can overrule the majority of citizens on any issue. 

If passed, this legislation would upend the constitutional amendment process and institute minority rule in Ohio, shred our Constitution, and take away our right to decide what happens in our communities. 

To receive updates on the August Special Election, visit: www.votenoinaugust.org  

Unsure if you are registered or moved recently? Check your status here: www.voterlookup.ohiosos.gov  

View our Voter Guide for more information. 

(COLUMBUS, OH – 6/23/23) – On Tuesday, CAIR-Ohio attended a sponsor hearing for House Bill 171, which would require the Ohio Board of Education to update the Social Studies curriculum standards to include instruction on the migration, experiences, and contributions of a range of communities. 

Representative Mary Lightbody challenged Members of the Ohio House Primary and Secondary Education Committee to consider the impact of the bill on Ohio classrooms and multicultural students. The Representative presented a strong testimony with a primary focus on the need to equip Ohio educators with the knowledge and tools to offer culturally centered and dignifying learning experiences. 

HB 171 will benefit both educators and students of all backgrounds by requiring the inclusion of diverse histories, stories, and societal contributions of various groups into the curriculum. Often children of underrepresented groups feel left out in their schools. To provide all students with a high-quality education, this bill aims to integrate lessons on the history of migration, lived experiences, and contributions of a range of communities in the social studies model curriculum. 

CAIR-Ohio is a member of the Educating for Ohio’s Future campaign, which has been leading the efforts to introduce this important legislation. More information on the campaign can be found at www.educatingforohiosfuture.org 

To learn more about CAIR-Ohio’s “Educator Resource” visit www.cair-ohio.com/educator-resource. 

(COLUMBUS, OH – 6/19/23) – Last Sunday, CAIR-Ohio joined the Black American Muslim Community Center Columbus (BAM CCC), Muslim American Society (MAS Columbus), and Amanah Outsiders to commemorate Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, which was established as a federal holiday in 2021, celebrating the freedom of enslaved Black Americans. 

On June 19, 1865, more than 250,000 enslaved Black people learned they were free after Union troops reach Galveston, Texas. This was two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.  

CAIR-Ohio joined community members at the Whetstone Park of Roses to celebrate the rich history of Black Americans, enjoy food, and discuss the importance of this holiday and how it came about. The fight for true liberation continues. Juneteenth, though pivotal, was not the ultimate liberation of Black people. It served as a reminder that progress often came too late, and the shackles of chattel slavery endured beyond its supposed end.  

While Juneteenth holds immense importance, let it not be an isolated celebration. Black Americans have a rich history rooted in true liberation efforts, deserving of collective recognition.  

Together, we can rebuild a land where freedom truly prevails—a legacy our descendants will inherit with pride.

(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 6/23/2022) – CAIR-Ohio recently concluded its highly anticipated Summer Internship Development Program with a dynamic and engaging Legal and Media Week. This final week provided interns with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between law, media, and civil rights advocacy. 

The week kicked off with a rigorous legal training session, where interns delved into various aspects of civil rights law. Led by the legal team and law students, the training equipped interns with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate legal challenges. Building upon their legal training, interns engaged in captivating oral arguments, honing their advocacy and public speaking abilities. The opportunity to participate in simulated legal proceedings allowed interns to gain practical experience and develop confidence in presenting persuasive arguments. 

On Tuesday, interns traveled to Graydon Law in Cincinnati for an enlightening legal panel featuring prominent legal experts which further enriched the interns’ understanding of the legal landscape. The panelists shared insights into their experiences, shed light on pressing legal issues, and provided invaluable guidance to the interns as they embarked on their own potential journeys in the field of law. The impressive line-up of legal professionals included: 

• Jennifer Kinsley, First District Court of Appeals Judge & NKU Chase College of Law Professor 
• Roula Allouch, Trial Attorney at Graydon Law 
• Nadeem Quraishi, Defense Attorney at The Quraishi Law Office 
• Olivia Ballard, Director of Global Data Privacy at Worldwide Clinical Trials 

As part of Media Week, CAIR-Ohio invited Danae King, a local journalist at The Dispatch, to share her experiences and insights into the power of media in shaping public opinion and advancing social justice. King’s impactful stories and dedication to investigative reporting inspired interns to utilize the media as a tool for raising awareness about important issues and promoting positive change. 

To conclude the program on a high note, CAIR-Ohio welcomed Dr. Pranav Jani as a guest speaker. Dr. Jani spoke on community organizing and his work as an ethnic studies professor at The Ohio State University. He focused on the importance of remaining true to one’s core values and beliefs, having solidarity with all groups seeking justice, going beyond our own identities, and recognizing that our struggles are all intertwined. 

The internship program reached its culmination with a visit to a local masjid, where interns actively participated in voter registration and GOTV initiatives, including sharing CAIR-Ohio’s Voter Guide and information on the August 8 Special Election. This hands-on experience reinforced the importance of civic engagement within the Muslim community and underscored the significance of collective action in effecting meaningful change. 

As this year’s Summer Internship Program comes to a close, CAIR-Ohio remains steadfast in its dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Through their experiences during the program, these interns have not only gained invaluable skills but have also become ambassadors for justice and advocates for building power for the Muslim community. 

Subscribe to CAIR-Ohio’s newsletter to be notified of when Fall internship applications open.    

Follow CAIR-Ohio on Facebook and Instagram.  

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – 6/15/23) – Earlier this week, CAIR-Ohio staff and interns, as well as community members join over 500 American Muslim delegates for the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations’ (USCMO) 8^th Annual Muslim Advocacy Day, a program created to provide American Muslims with an invaluable opportunity to forge lasting relationships with members of Congress and policymakers.  

The event was held in and around Capitol Hill, and CAIR-Ohio along with the Ohio delegation visited the offices of 15 members of Congress, fostering meaningful dialogues on crucial issues impacting the Muslim-American community. The primary focus of these meetings was to promote:  

• The House and Senate co-sponsorship of Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Senator Cory Booker’s (D-NJ) Combating International Islamophobia Act;  

• The House and Senate co-sponsorship of Representative Andre Carson (D-IN) and Senator Cory Booker’s soon-to-be-reintroduced “Muslim-American Heritage Month” resolution celebrating the heritage and culture of American Muslims; and,  

• Advocate for greater congressional oversight and reform of the unconstitutional and discriminatory federal terrorism watchlist, which consists of 98% of Muslim or Arabic names. 

CAIR-Ohio hosts advocacy events annually at both the U.S. Capitol as well as the Ohio State Capitol to amplify the voices of Muslim constituents to legislators. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to know when these events are happening. 

Stay connected with CAIR-Ohio on Facebook and Instagram to witness the incredible progress and endeavors of our interns, week after week.  

(COLUMBUS, OH – 6/9/23) – This week, CAIR-Ohio’s summer interns received a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights from esteemed elected officials and community leaders in the field of civic engagement. The program featured enlightening panel discussions, where these accomplished individuals shared their experiences, motivations, and perspectives on public policy. 

On Monday, the elected officials visit included Leader Allison Russo, Representative Dontavius Jarrells, and Representative Dr. Anita Somani. Representative Munira Abdullahi joined the staff and interns on Thursday. The representatives engaged in thought-provoking conversations about their personal passions in public service, significant legislative bills, the significance of voting, and the rewards and challenges of being in office. 

Tuesday’s session showcased a diverse civic engagement panel consisting of: 

• Hannah Tyler, Deputy Director at Ohio Donor Table 
• Alwiyah Shariff, Training & Fellowship Manager at Ohio Voice 
• Nazek Hapasha, Policy Manager at League of Women Voters Ohio 
• Ameer Abdulrahman, General Secretary at MAPS

These inspiring leaders emphasized the importance of active participation in advocacy and imparted invaluable advice on staying vigilant and well-informed always, but especially during election seasons. 

Don’t miss out on future opportunities like this! Subscribe to CAIR-Ohio’s newsletter to stay updated on when the Fall internship applications open. 

Stay connected with CAIR-Ohio on Facebook and Instagram to witness the incredible progress and endeavors of our interns, week after week.