CAIR-Ohio Advocates for Multiracial Curriculum Campaign 

by CAIR Ohio in 2023, May, Recent News

(HILLIARD, OH, 5/4/23) – On April 27, CAIR-Ohio spoke at an info session event held in collaboration with a coalition of organizations that are part of the “Educating for Ohio’s Future” campaign. This campaign led by OPAWL is a collective effort to advocate for an updated social studies curriculum that reflects the diverse backgrounds and histories of Ohioans, including Muslims. 

The speakers highlighted the fact that some students in Ohio feel invisible, alone, and unheard in their classrooms, and that outdated histories do nothing to prepare our kids for the world they’re about to enter. There is an immense need for a curriculum that fully reflects Ohioans’ backgrounds and histories and provides all students with a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the world they live in. 

Muslims have a rich history in Ohio and have contributed to the state’s culture, economy, and society in significant ways. It’s crucial that the curriculum reflects this history and the positive contributions of Muslims to Ohio. 

Furthermore, the Muslim community in Ohio, like many other communities, has faced challenges related to education equity.  

“We have received reports from many Muslim students who are experiencing bullying and discrimination in schools, which can negatively impact their academic performance and overall well-being,” said CAIR-Ohio Government Affairs Director Anisa Liban. “By updating the social studies curriculum to include a more diverse and inclusive history, we can help create a more welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all students, including Muslim students.” 

The event was a call to action for the community to come together and support educational equity by building a truly multiracial, diverse, and representative coalition. 

Interested in getting updates about this campaign? Sign up here. 

Contact CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox at vhickcox@cair.com if you have any questions or would like to get involved. 

CAIR-Ohio Speaks on Religious Discrimination Panel at Fair Housing Event 

by CAIR Ohio in 2023, May, Recent News

(CINCINNATI, OH, 5/4/23) – On Thursday, April 27, CAIR-Ohio joined a luncheon organized by Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and family status. 

CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi, and speakers from the Jewish and Sikh community, participated in a panel discussion about religious discrimination. Mayor Aftab Pureval, Cincinnati’s first Asian American mayor, was in attendance and spoke about ways the city is working to address the housing inequities in Cincinnati. 

Barhumi talked about how religious discrimination affects housing for Muslims, which is the most racially diverse faith group in the U.S., and that a lack of knowledge of Islam is what causes discrimination. 

“The Muslim community is diverse, and the legacy and experiences of each community are unique. It is important to note that many Muslim families choose to rent, rather than take out a mortgage, due to a lack of options for homeowners who are unable to pay interest due to their religious beliefs, which further limits housing opportunities for our community,” said Barhumi.  

“It is also critical that landlords & real estate agents both understand the impact of redlining & its lasting effects on marginalized communities—particularly the Black community.” 

CAIR-Ohio Calls on Ohio Muslims to Make Their Voices Heard at National Muslim Advocacy Day

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, May, Recent News, Take Action

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/2/23) – CAIR-Ohio joins the US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) to invite members of the American Muslim community to register for the 8th annual National Muslim Advocacy Day.  

This year, the National Muslim Advocacy Day will again take place in person on Monday, June 12, and Tuesday, June 13 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.     

USCMO is encouraging participants to register at least one month before the event, and no later than Sunday, June 4.     

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

All representatives for national, state, and local Muslim organizations and communities are encouraged to register for this two-day advocacy event. Muslim delegates and activists will meet with congressional offices to discuss the most pressing issues impacting American Muslims in today’s political climate.       

“As American Muslims, we have a responsibility to engage in the democratic process and advocate for issues that affect our community. National Muslim Advocacy Day provides a crucial opportunity for us to meet with our congressional representatives and ensure that our voices are heard, said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “As we approach this event, we are proud to continue promoting civic engagement and demonstrating that American Muslims are an integral part of our democracy. I look forward to joining my fellow Muslims in Washington, D.C., and advocating for the issues that matter to us.” 

Among the issues being advocated for, USCMO advocacy day delegates will be calling on Congress to reintroduce Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Jan Schakowsky and Senator Corey Booker’s Combating International Islamophobia Act legislation to address the rise in incidents of Islamophobia worldwide.     

For those who would like additional advocacy techniques and a more in-depth rundown on the advocacy day’s focused issues, there will be a series of online training seminars for those registered before the event. USCMO will also provide a day-of-event training at Congress for all participating Muslim community members.     

Last year, more than 300 delegates from 20 states met with more than 200 elected officials and congressional staffers during the seventh annual National Muslim Advocacy Day. Past participants have posted photos and commentary about National Muslim Advocacy Day on social media using the hashtag #MuslimHillDay. 

For more information about the event or how your Muslim organization or community can participate, please contact the USCMO at: advocacy@uscmo.org.      

You can also find more information on the history of the event and view videos from previous years here. 

CAIR-Ohio Shares Ramadan with Communities Around Ohio

by CAIR Ohio in 2023, March, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH — 04/27/2023) – During Ramadan, CAIR-Ohio hosted and attended over 25 Iftars across Ohio, including Greater Columbus, Greater Cincinnati, and Greater Dayton. These Iftars were held with the intention to build relationships, community, and funds to ensure that every Ohio Muslim can work, learn, live, and practice their faith free from discrimination, harassment, surveillance, and retaliation.  

Some of the highlights include a historic iftar at the Ohio Statehouse co-hosted with Representative Munira Abdullahi, the first Muslim woman elected to the Statehouse, as well as a night of spiritual reflection and community building at Masjid Abubakar Asiddiq Islamic Center, and dinners held at the CAIR-Ohio offices. 

Through the efforts of these gatherings, CAIR-Ohio was able to discuss the importance of safeguarding Muslim liberties and what that looks like on a community-based level. Thanks to the involvement of supporters and partners, CAIR-Ohio empowers the Muslim community through legal representation, education, government relations, media relations, and advocacy. 

CAIR-Ohio Opposes Bill That Aims to Silence Voters

by CAIR Ohio in 2023, March, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH, 4/27/23) – On Wednesday, April 19, CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi and Government Affairs Director Anisa Liban attended the Ohio Statehouse Resolutions Committee Hearing to provide opponent testimony for House Joint Resolution 1 (HJR1). 

CAIR-Ohio staff, along with dozens of organizations and Ohioans, were outraged when they were informed that they could no longer provide testimonies against the measure as a result of the committee halting the hearing and calling a surprise vote after hearing from only 6 constituents. 

TAKE ACTION: Protect the Power of the People in Ohio with Citizen-Led Ballot Initiatives 

HJR 1 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. If passed, the bill will:  

· Increase the current voting threshold from 50%+1 to 60%.  

· If citizens spend months collecting signatures to put an amendment on Ohio’s ballot, their initiative will need 60% of votes to become law.  

· Remove the “cure period,” which is a window of time voters are allowed to fix any signature mistakes. This period permits voters to go back out and collect more signatures to try to make up for a shortfall. 

· Require an initiative petition proposing an amendment to the Constitution to have petitions bearing the signatures of at least 5% of the electors of each county in the state, instead of half of the counties. 

CAIR-Ohio voices strong opposition to HJR1, and its companion resolution SJR2, which if passed would make it harder to pass citizen-led ballot initiatives.  

“Our democracy cannot be fully called one, when the basic tenets and bedrock of democracy, of allowing citizens to have a say in their government, are made more difficult”, said Barhumi.  

“This impacts not only voting rights, but healthcare access, access to education, civil and economic justice, and much more. All of which are issues we combat regularly as an organization. Resolutions like this obstruct the voting rights of every Ohioan. HJR1 would also negate our continuous efforts as an organization to empower Muslims and underrepresented communities.” 

Additionally, at the committee hearing, Representative Brian Stewart made a statement on his own accord, what he termed “legal slavery”. CAIR-Ohio demands that he apologizes for these remarks and his conduct.  

“The lunatics in Portland took slavery out of the state constitution. And they did so because they wanted to make sure that you could no longer require people to go to court-ordered counseling, court-ordered drug treatment, court-ordered community service, and arguably, how do you even lock somebody up if you’re a child murderer in Oregon.” Stewart said. “’And do the child murderers in Oregon now get to say, “Well, sorry warden, I don’t want to wake up and make license plates today because that’s slavery.’” 

CAIR-Ohio will join the Ohio Voter Rights Coalition for a Day of Action at the Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday, May 3 to voice opposition to HJR1. We will be ready to mobilize & fight HJR1 by educating community members about the harmful resolution should it be up for vote in a special August election. 

If you are interested in joining, register here. 

CAIR-Ohio Co-Hosts Ohio-Wide Statehouse Iftar with Rep. Abdullahi  

by CAIR Ohio in 2023, March, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH, 04/13/23) – On Wednesday, April 12, CAIR-Ohio along with Ohio Representative Munira Abdullahi held an iftar dinner bringing together over 250 Muslim community leaders, public officials, and Ohioans of all backgrounds to celebrate the richness of the growing Muslim communities in Ohio and to highlight its diversity. 

CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi opened the event with welcoming remarks, in which she highlighted the rapid growth of the Muslim community over the past 25 years and the historic occasion of two Muslims being elected to the Statehouse.

Barhumi also shared, “this iftar convenes leaders, allies, and loved ones from across the buckeye state and serves as a reminder that Ohio thrives when its Muslim community and all marginalized groups are represented and feel a sense of belonging.” 

Honorary remarks were delivered by Leader Allison Russo, Quran recitation from Imam Bashir of Masjid Abu Hurairah, and spiritual reflections by Imam Abdurrahman Justin Wood. 

The keynote speaker was Rep. Abdullahi, who spoke about the power of community and engaging Ohio Muslims, and how honored she is to be the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Statehouse. She shared how Islam influences her work as an elected official and lawmaker, and in her approach to serving all her constituents. Abdullahi credits the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as her role model of leadership, and the example of justice, and treating all people with dignity and respect. 

CAIR-Ohio is thrilled to have been a part of organizing this momentous event and looks forward to doing so for years to come. 

CAIR-Ohio Joins Press Conference Against Voter Suppression Law at the Statehouse 

by CAIR Ohio in 2023, March, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH, 04/06/23)– On Wednesday, March 29, CAIR-Ohio joined the VoteRiders Press Conference at the Ohio Statehouse against House Bill (HB) 458, which was signed into law in January by Gov. DeWine. HB 458 is a law that implements new voting initiatives that impact Ohio’s most vulnerable and underrepresented communities. 

HB 458 takes effect this week requiring Ohioans to present a state-issued photo ID to vote, whether during early voting or on Election Day. This new law will apply to voters participating in local and county elections taking place this year. In addition to the ID requirements, the new law also limits early voting hours and restricts access to absentee ballots, further limiting the ability of Ohioans to participate in the democratic process. 

Ohio’s new ID laws are part of a larger trend of voter suppression efforts across the country that disproportionately impact communities of color, low-income individuals, and other marginalized groups. “These laws undermine the fundamental principles of democracy and threaten to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters,” said CAIR-Ohio Intern Khalid Dada. 

View the full press conference here.  

Learn more about Ohio’s new voter ID requirements here and view our Voter Guide for help voting. 

CAIR-Ohio Condemns Violence Against Worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, April, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 4/5/23) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) strongly condemns the recent violent attacks on Palestinian worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. According to reports, Israeli occupying forces stormed the mosque during prayer and assaulted worshippers, resulting in dozens of injuries. 

SEE: Israeli forces attack worshippers in violent Al-Aqsa Mosque raid 

As an organization dedicated to combating Islamophobia and protecting the civil liberties of Muslims, CAIR-Ohio stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemns the violent abuse against innocent worshippers.  

In a statement, CAIR-Ohio, Columbus & Cincinnati Executive Director Amina Barhumi said: 

“We are outraged by the brutal attack on Palestinian worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is especially egregious considering it is the holiest month for Muslims. This is a blatant violation of their fundamental right to practice their religion freely and without fear. The Israeli government’s systematic oppression of Palestinians, including the use of violence against innocent civilians, is a form of institutionalized Islamophobia that must be addressed by the international community.” 

Following the initial attack, Israel continued its assault on the Gaza Strip, with airstrikes targeting civilian areas and causing widespread destruction and loss of life. CAIR-Ohio condemns these acts of aggression against innocent Palestinians and calls for an immediate end to the violence. 

SEE: Israel attacks Gaza Strip, Al-Aqsa Mosque 

CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh added, “We urge the US government to take immediate action to address this grave injustice and to defend the human rights of Palestinians and to pass the ‘Combating International Islamophobia Act’, which would track these incidents globally. We also call on all people of conscience to speak out against this violence and to support efforts to end the illegal Israeli occupation.” 

CAIR-Ohio joins the global community in demanding that Israel immediately ceases its violent attacks on Palestinian worshippers and respect the human rights of all Palestinians and the holy site of Al-Aqsa, especially during this holy month of Ramadan. 

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

END 

CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Columbus & Cincinnati Executive Director Amina Barhumi, abarhumi@cair.com, 614-763-6557; CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247 

Deadline Extended for 2023 SIDP Applications

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, March, Recent News

CAIR-Ohio’s 2023 Summer Internship Development Program applications are now due by Sunday, April 9th! A few spots left for applicants in Columbus.

If you’re interested in joining our four-week training intensive designed to jump-start college students’ skills and empower them to become civically engaged community members, apply here.

Interns will develop professional skills, gain insight into the societal impact of public service, create important community connections, and obtain work experience to help advance their future academic and professional endeavors.

Interns will work across all departments and gain hands-on experience in the following areas:

  • Research & Policy – Interns will provide support in developing research projects that are aligned with the community’s needs and priorities, and in evidence-based policymaking and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of Muslims in Ohio.
  • Outreach & Government Affairs – Interns will support in organizing and mobilizing Muslims around campaigns and in compiling and designing educational resources to help in empowering the Muslim community.
  • Communications & Media – Interns will work closely with the Communications & Media Team to assist in communication-related content and processes, including crafting compelling press releases, organizing and supporting press conferences, and assisting with content creation.
  • Legal & Civil Rights – Interns will work closely with the Legal & Civil Rights Team to assist in research and case preparation, organize oral arguments and participate in simulated legal proceedings, and participate in community outreach and education efforts.

New Voter ID Requirements in Ohio

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, March, Recent News

Governor DeWine signed HB 458 into law in January 2023, which brings about significant changes to Ohio’s election process. Unfortunately, Ohio voters have lost some essential voting freedoms as a result.

Previously, Ohioans had the freedom to vote using alternative forms of identification, such as a utility bill, government document, or paycheck. However, with the new law in effect, voters now have only two options: vote in person with photo ID required or vote by mail without photo ID required.

Learn more here.

What does Ohio’s new voting law do?
The new anti-voter law:

  • Forces in-person voters to use an unexpired photo ID to vote, during the early voting period, or on Election Day. There are only four acceptable photo IDs. They are an Ohio driver’s license, an Ohio-issued state identification card, a U.S. or state military ID, or passport.
  • Limits drop boxes to one location per county that are open 24/7 during early voting. 
  • Shortens the absentee ballot request window; ballots now must be requested a full week before Election Day (by 5pm 7 days before Election Day) as opposed to the previous Saturday by noon.
  • Adds non-citizen designation on driver’s license and state ID cards.
  • Eliminates the last day of early voting, the Monday before Election Day.
  • Mandates that absentee ballots must be received by County Board of Elections four days after Election Day, as opposed to ten days.
  • Changes curbside voting rules so that only those with a physical disability or those physically unable to enter a polling location are eligible for this option.
  • Shortens the window to cure provisional ballots from seven days to four days.

View our Voter Guide for more information on voting in the upcoming special election. Deadline to register to vote or update your registration is April 3.