Category: July

(COLUMBUS, OH – 7/19/2024) — Last Saturday, the Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) hosted a special Kids Connect Event at our Columbus office, dedicated to educating young minds about the ongoing situation in Gaza. The event provided the opportunity for children to connect with their community while enjoying a pancake brunch. 

During the event, the kids participated in a variety of meaningful activities. They watched an engaging documentary designed for children, which provided an insightful look into the history of Palestine and the challenges of occupation. This educational segment was designed to be both informative and age-appropriate, ensuring the kids could understand and empathize with the experiences of children in Gaza.  

(DAYTON, OH – 7/3/2024) — The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) joined a youth event to address Islamophobia held at Dayton Mercy Society. The event, attended by youth, parents, and community leaders, featured insightful discussions, personal narratives, and practical workshops aimed at equipping attendees with the knowledge and tools to counteract Islamophobia. 

CAIR-Ohio Community Relations Coordinator Sarah Mazouz presented information on the rise of incidents in Ohio, shedding light on the origins and impacts of Islamophobia, and ways to address it. Attendees also participated in discussions and interactive workshops, gaining valuable strategies for education, community engagement, and advocacy. 

CAIR-Ohio also provided resources for parents, students, and teachers, including guides on reporting incidents, creating supportive environments, and fostering inclusivity in schools. 

If you have experienced an incident, you can report it here.

To access resources CAIR-Ohio provides, click below. 

Guides & Toolkits 

Accommodation Resources  

Palestine Self-Advocacy 

Educator Resource 

(CINCINNATI, OH – 7/27/23) – The 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 welcomed the firing of an officer involved in the recent mauling of a black man by a police dog during a traffic stop after the man raised his hands in the air.   

The Circleville Police Department said Ryan Speakman was fired because he “did not meet the standards and expectations we hold for our police officers.” 

SEE: Ohio officer fired after letting his police dog attack a surrendering truck driver 

Washington, D.C., based CAIR had previously condemn the mauling and thanked Ohio State Highway Patrol officers for their professional actions, in contradiction to the actions of the local police officer who released the dog.   

“We welcome the firing of the officer who released the dog to attack the suspect as a sign that such disturbing actions will not be tolerated or excused,” said CAIR-Ohio, Cincinnati & Columbus Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “We urge local police departments nationwide to use this as a teaching moment to ensure the respectful and non-violent treatment of all suspects.”   

She said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.    

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.               

END   

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

(DAYTON, OH—7/25/23) – On Sunday, July 23, CAIR-Ohio held a community dinner at the Islamic Center of Centerville encouraging the community to vote NO on Issue 1 for the August special election. 

This event gathered Dayton area Muslims to inform them about Issue 1 and what is at stake with this election. CAIR-Ohio shared educational materials and initiated meaningful discussions about the need to protect citizen-led ballot initiatives by voting no. 

Issue 1 aims to permanently end majority rule in Ohio by increasing the passing requirement for a ballot initiative from a simple majority (50% + 1) to a supermajority (60%), which threatens the sacred principle of “one person, one vote.” If an issue needs 60 percent to pass, what that really means is that 40 percent of voters can veto the will of the majority on any issue. 

If enacted, this legislation will undermine Ohio’s constitutional amendment process, impose minority rule, and rob us of our ability to make decisions that affect the Muslim community.  

“CAIR-Ohio urges you to Vote NO on Issue 1. It is our right and responsibility as Muslims to make our opinions heard, and participating in the election is a demonstration of our dedication to creating a better future for our communities,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. 

View our Voter Guide for more information on this election and ways to vote. 

(CINCINNATI, OH – 7/24/23) – The 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 mauling of a black man by a police dog earlier this month during a traffic stop after the man raised his hands in the air. 

Ohio State Highway Patrol tried to stop Jadarrius Rose, 23, because his vehicle “was missing a left rear mud flap.” After Rose exited his vehicle, he can be seen on video standing in front of state troopers with his hands in the air. A Circleville, Ohio, police officer with a K9-unit dog can be heard telling Rose to “go on the ground or you’re gonna get bit.” A state trooper shouted multiple times, “Do not release the dog with his hands up,” but the local officer did release the dog, which then bit and injured Rose.  

SEE: ‘Do not release the dog with his hands up!’ Black man mauled by police canine after Ohio pursuit  

“The heart-wrenching episode serves as yet another reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reform within law enforcement agencies,” said CAIR-Ohio, Cincinnati & Columbus Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “We implore authorities to thoroughly investigate this disturbing incident, holding all responsible parties.”  

Barhumi thanked Ohio State Highway Patrol officers for their professional actions, in contradiction to the actions of the local police officer who released the dog.  

She noted that CAIR-Ohio recently condemned the distribution of flyers promoting a white supremacist Ku Klux Klan (KKK) group in that state.  

END 

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

(CINCINNATI, OH – 7/17/23) – The 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 distribution of flyers promoting a white supremacist Ku Klux Klan (KKK) group in Clifton and Franklinton on Sunday.  

SEE: ‘I couldn’t believe it’; KKK recruitment fliers found in Clifton   

Franklinton neighborhood woke up to Ku Klux Klan flyers on cars, in street Sunday 

“We condemn the continuing promotion of racism and white supremacy in our state and nationwide,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. “Bigots will continue to spread their twisted ideology unless all Americans speak out strongly and consistently against hate.”  

She said Washington, D.C., based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.   

END  

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

(CINCINNATI, OH – 7/11/23) – On Saturday, CAIR-Ohio held an event at the MidPointe Library West Chester encouraging the Greater Cincinnati Community to register to vote for the quickly-approaching Special Election on August 8. 

This event was also designed to educate the community on Issue 1, urging them to vote NO on the ballot. Issue 1 seeks to permanently end majority rule in Ohio, diminishing the sacred principle of “one person, one vote.”   

Politicians and special interests deliberately wrote Issue 1 to be confusing. If an issue needs 60 percent to pass, what that really means is that 40 percent 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.   

CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox reiterated at the event how important this election is to protect our right to make an Ohio that is reflective of its residents, especially the Muslim community and other marginalized groups.  

“It is imperative that as a community that is often marginalized and dismissed as a constituency, that we are registered and exercising our right and responsibility as Muslims to make our voices heard at the ballot box. Our presence at the polls is a tangible expression of our commitment to shaping a future that aligns with our values.”  

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.  

On Thursday, June 17th, CAIR-Ohio Summer Interns toured the Ohio Statehouse, a National Historic Landmark and where lawmaking in the the state of Ohio takes place. ??

Meet our interns here: cair-ohio.com/meet-our-interns ✨

Our Fall Semester application window will open at the end of July. Contact Amina Barhumi at abarhumi@cair.com 614-763-6557 for questions or interest.