Press Release: CAIR-Ohio, Columbus Expresses Solidarity with Springfield’s Haitian Community Targeted by Racist Insults

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, February, press release, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 2/13/2025) – The Columbus-based Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the latest racist insults directed at the Haitian Community in Springfield, Ohio, in a city commission meeting.

CAIR-Ohio expressed solidarity with the Haitian community locally and nationally as it continues to face the consequences of rumors sparked last year by President Trump and Vice President Vance.

Although City officials confirmed the baselessness of Trump’s allegations multiple times, Springfield, Ohio, has received more than 30 bomb threats, an uptick in hate crimes and Neo-Nazi rallies and campaigns, both in person and online.

The latest incident of Haitian-targeted racism occurred on Tuesday, Feb. 11, when a man reportedly made racist comments comparing the intelligence of Haitians to dogs at a city commission meeting. Springfield Mayor Rob Rue and City Commissioner Krystal Brown defended their community, removing the aggressor and a supporter.

SEE: City officials push back against racist insults to Haitians at public meeting

“We condemn this racist rhetoric and all other bigoted attacks targeting the Haitian community in Springfield,” said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani. “The spread of this despicable hatred must be stopped, and we must come together as a community to repudiate all forms of bigotry. We stand in solidarity with the Haitian community as it deals with these hate incidents.”  

Turaani added that CAIR expressed solidarity with the Haitian community nationwide as it has been targeted by an online racist hate campaign.

He added that CAIR-Ohio is committed to fighting bigotry and has recently condemned a banner and flags with Nazi swastikas and white supremacist statements put up by a group of neo-Nazis on a highway overpass in a historically Black community.

SEE: CAIR-Ohio Condemns Neo-Nazi Group’s Hate Event in Historically Black Neighborhood

As of February 5th, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue and several other local officials filed a lawsuit on behalf of the City of Springfield against the Neo-Nazi group, Blood Tribe, for “engaging and enticing a campaign of harassment and intimidation, motivated by ethnic and racial hatred.’’

SEE: Springfield Ohio Sues Neo-Nazi Group

 CAIR-Ohio is committed to pursuing any incidents of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation to protect the civil rights, dignity, and safety of all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity. To report an incident, file this form.

ACTION ALERT:Stop Ohio Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) and Protect Academic Freedom

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, February, Recent News, Take Action
Take Action

Join the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) to urge your State Representative to oppose Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), which poses a direct threat to academic freedom, faculty rights, student activism, and the independence of Ohio’s higher education system.

This legislation is vague, overbroad, and ripe for misuse. It would give state schools broad discretion to suppress speech the state disfavors while permitting other viewpoints, effectively creating a double standard. If enacted, SB 1 would allow universities to crack down on speech critical of state policies—such as pro-Palestinian advocacy—while allowing other viewpoints to flourish unchecked.

SB 1 also undermines free expression and faculty protections by enforcing political interference, restricting open dialogue, and creating a chilling effect on academic discourse. If enacted, SB 1 will result in severe and lasting damage, including:

  • Government-Imposed Restrictions on Free Speech – By forcing universities to remain “neutral” on pressing social and political issues, SB 1 censors debate and stifles critical thinking. Learning institutions should be spaces of open inquiry, not state-controlled silos of silence.

  • Stripping Faculty Rights and Job Protections – The bill bans faculty strikes and implements excessive post-tenure reviews, undermining academic independence and faculty advocacy. Educators should not fear retribution for engaging in discourse that challenges political ideologies.

  • Politicized, State-Controlled Curriculum – By mandating a state-approved civics course, SB 1 paves the way for government intervention in education, historical revisionism, and ideological control over course content. Higher education must foster independent thought, not state-driven narratives.

  • Silencing Student Advocacy – The ability to protest and organize is fundamental to democracy. SB 1 discourages student activism, making it harder for students to voice concerns on issues affecting their lives and education.

Take Action

Press Release: CAIR-Ohio Advocates Against SB1

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, February, press release, Recent News

(Columbus, Ohio, 2/12/2025) Yesterday at the Ohio Statehouse, hundreds gathered to testify in front of the Ohio Senate Higher Education Committee in an opponent testimony hearing for Senate Bill 1.

Staff from The CAIR-Ohio, Columbus and Cleveland chapters were in attendance and among the many awaiting turn to speak. The 75-page bill proposes suppressive measures that will result in the criminalization of “controversial” opinions or materials shared in class in favor of “neutrality,’’ which includes banning faculty strikes and publicizing class syllabi as well as the dismantling of all DEI structures within Ohio’s public universities.

Minority students, faculty, staff, and religious and culture-based groups will be particularly impacted. The bill blocks access to culturally competent services and institutional support as it strips away DEI funding and resources. It includes banning orientations, training, offices or departments, and any DEI-specific scholarships and initiatives. Similar policies in other states have led to crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activism and increased islamophobia as it emboldened far-right groups to misuse “neutrality’’ and “free speech” protections to justify hate speech on campuses.

“As an organization dedicated to promoting justice, protecting civil rights, and ensuring equity for all Ohioans, we are deeply concerned that SB 1 creates an unprecedented framework for state overreach in higher education. This bill threatens to stifle open dialogue and undermine the very principles that make Ohio’s universities spaces for intellectual growth and civic engagement,’ wrote CAIR-Ohio Columbus Legal Director Jwayyed Jwayyed in his testimony. “Moreover, this bill raises constitutional concerns. [SB1] is vague, overbroad, and ripe for misuse in its requirements for universities to remain ‘neutral.’ It would give state schools broad discretion to suppress speech the state disfavors, while permitting other viewpoints, effectively promoting viewpoint discrimination.’’

At the Ohio Statehouse, the opponent hearing spanned nearly eight hours with more than two hundred oral and eight hundred written testimonies submitted. CAIR-Ohio Columbus staff in attendance included Legal Director Jwayyed Jwayyed, Legal Assistant Raneem Albawab, Outreach Coordinator Caisha Abdullahi, and Communications Coordinator Sara Abou Rashed, who also submitted a personal testimony calling this bill “one rooted in fear, not protection. A bill, ultimately, asking us to be afraid of each other, of our stories.’’

CAIR-Ohio is committed to pursuing any incidents of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation to protect the civil rights, dignity, and safety of all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity. To report an incident, file this form.

Press Release: CAIR-Ohio Condemns Expanded ICE Reach and Prepares for Accountability

by Khalid Turaani in 2025, February, press release, Recent News

(Columbus, Ohio, 1/30/2025) CAIR-Ohio Columbus condemns the Trump Administration’s expansion of the US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) reach, which now includes the power to conduct raids in places of worship, schools, and hospitals.

“Our local community members and organizations stand alert and worried about the implications of these expansions and the spotting of ICE officials in local neighborhoods of Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton and Springfield,” said CAIR-Ohio Columbus Executive Director Khalid Turaani. “We especially worry about fear mongering, intimidation tactics and the breaking up of families due to their varied legal statuses.’’

Since re-entering office for his second term, President Trump has signed over a dozen executive orders addressing his immigration and mass deportation agenda. According to news outlets, Immigration authorities made close to 1,200 in just one day in Trump’s first week, a record breaking number that’s expected to increase.

On ICE’s role, CAIR-Ohio’s Legal Director for Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton, Jwayyed Jwayyed, commented that “America is a land governed by rules and laws, as long as those laws are adhered to and ICE holds judicial warrants, their activity is legal; however, if laws are not followed and unwarranted arrests are made, CAIR-Ohio stands ready to uphold the laws of the US constitution and the laws of the great state of Ohio.’’

In preparation, CAIR-Ohio will be distributing materials digitally and in print as well as translated into multiple languages covering best practices when encountering ICE officers. CAIR-Ohio is committed to pursuing any incidents of harassment, discrimination or intimidation to protect the civil rights, dignity, and safety of all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity. To report an incident, file this form.

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.

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

by CAIR-OHIO 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.    

END  

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 CAIR-OHIO 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.  

END 

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 CAIR-OHIO 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.   

END 

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

CAIR-Ohio Welcomes New Ohio Law Protecting the Right to Wear Hijab in School Sports 

by CAIR-OHIO in 2022, February, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OHIO 2/28/2022) — The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today welcomed the signing of Senate Bill 181 into law by Gov. Mike DeWine. The new law will protect students’ right to wear hijab in school sports and extracurricular activities. Read More “CAIR-Ohio Welcomes New Ohio Law Protecting the Right to Wear Hijab in School Sports ” →

Community Update: Seeking Justice for Imam Mohamed Hassan Adam

by CAIR-OHIO in 2022, February, Recent News

Today, an important development in the murder of Imam Mohamed Hassan Adam was shared by his family and local law enforcement. A Columbus man has been arrested and charged with murder.

Since December, we have been searching for answers and fighting for justice. We hope this arrest leads to a conviction and is a step towards achieving some sense of justice for the profound loss this family and our community have endured.

Our mission to achieve justice has not wavered and will never waver – questions remain about why Imam Mohamed was targeted and who else, if anyone, was involved. Law enforcement have stated they believe others were involved. We still need answers.

We continue to stand united with the family of Imam Mohamed and all who were – and continue to be – impacted by his service and life.

Ramadan Accommodations for Students & Employees

by CAIR-OHIO in 2022, February, Recent News

Ramadan is quickly approaching and many Muslims may need accommodations at work, school, and elsewhere as we fast and worship throughout the holy month.

CAIR-Ohio has resources available to help you inform others about Ramadan and request accommodations from employers or educators, including template Ramadan/Eid emails for K-12 and college students.

Find Ramadan Resources here.

For questions, contact CAIR-Ohio Staff Attorney Maryam Abidi: mabidi@cair.com | 614-401-6692.