Category: May

(COLUMBUS, OH – 5/14/2024) — The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) participated in the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) 9th Annual Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. This three-day event, held from April 29 to May 1, brought together 700 American Muslim delegates from 25 states to engage with over 200 congressional offices in the U.S. House and Senate.

The theme of this year’s Muslim Hill Day, “Unifying Muslim Voices: Advocating for Justice, Equality, and Palestinian Rights,” resonated deeply with participants who traveled to Washington, D.C. to address critical issues affecting the Muslim American community and beyond.

During the advocacy event, CAIR-Ohio joined fellow Muslim delegates in urging Congress to take definitive action on several key issues:

• Combating anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia on college campuses and supporting student’s free speech rights.

• Advocating for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and an end to all U.S. weapons transfers and aid to Israel, to prevent further escalation of violence and contribute to long-term peace and stability in the region.

• Urging for the immediate release of humanitarian aid and assistance to support the reconstruction efforts in Gaza, addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people affected by the conflict, and reinstating funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

The event highlighted the importance of direct engagement between Muslim Americans and their elected representatives, fostering meaningful dialogues on issues that impact not only the Muslim community but also global peace and human rights.

(COLUMBUS, OH – 5/14/2024) — The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today calls on decision makers to drop charges against peaceful protestors and protect our First Amendment rights to free speech, assembly, and religion. On April 25, 2024, students, faculty, alumni, and community members gathered in solidarity with the Palestinian people on the campus grounds. However, what began as a peaceful demonstration ended with the unnecessary use of violent force by law enforcement, resulting in numerous arrests and violations of civil liberties.

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

CAIR-Ohio vehemently condemns the actions taken against the peaceful protesters at Ohio State University. No individual should face legal repercussions for exercising their constitutional right to assemble and express themselves. As an organization committed to defending civil liberties and promoting justice, CAIR-Ohio is calling on decision-makers to drop all charges against those detained during the incidents on April 24th and 25th, 2024.

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

“Just as students have played a crucial role in shaping social and political change throughout history, so too are they leading the charge for justice today. We must stand in solidarity with these brave individuals and ensure that their voices are not silenced, but amplified, as they continue to fight against injustices in Palestine using our tax dollars.

“The suppression of peaceful protest goes against the principles of democracy and freedom that this country boasts. We urge decision-makers to take immediate action to rectify this injustice and uphold the rights of all Ohioans.”

CAIR-Ohio also calls for a cessation of further action against peaceful assemblies at Ohio State University and in Columbus, emphasizing the importance of allowing individuals to express their views without fear of reprisal.

In addition, CAIR-Ohio echoes the Columbus City Council’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and respect for the rights and dignity of all involved.

SEE: Open Letter to Support OSU Student First Amendment Rights

TAKE ACTION: Support OSU Student First Amendment Rights

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

(COLUMBUS, OH – 5/10/2024) –  Last Friday, the Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), in collaboration with the Muslim Students Association (MSA) at OSU, Muslim American Society (MAS Columbus), Alpha Lambda Mu (ALM) at OSU, and local mosques, hosted a solidarity prayer event led by Dr. Yasir Qadhi aimed at reclaiming the sacred space on the Ohio State University (OSU) campus, that was marred by law enforcement brutality during recent peaceful protest to call on the University to divest from the genocide in Gaza.

In the aftermath of events that unfolded on the evening of April 25, where peaceful protesters and individuals engaged in prayer were subjected to unwarranted aggression by militarized police forces. The event served as a platform for healing, unity, and a reaffirmation of the First Amendment right to assemble, protest, and to practice one’s religion.

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

“We stood firm in our resolve to reclaim the spaces where our community was subjected to unjust violence,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. “The University and law enforcement must respect students, faculty, and the community’s right to protest and we call on them to take accountability for their involvement in this police violence against those exercising their rights.

“We demand that all charges for any individuals participating in these demonstrations be dropped and to allow students and community members to continue to gather in public spaces, without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence.”

SEE: Open Letter to Support OSU Student First Amendment Rights

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

(COLUMBUS, OH – 5/24/23) – On Saturday, May 16, CAIR-Ohio tabled at the Summer Celebration of Diverse Readers Event, hosted by the Ohio Education Association (OEA), to share educator guides to Islamic practices, and the newly launched ‘Educator Resource’ page on the CAIR-Ohio website.  

Families in Hilliard and surrounding communities attended the event to receive free books for all elementary-aged children written by a variety of authors from unique backgrounds. All books distributed feature diverse characters, allowing readers to learn from a colorful array of perspectives. Each story cultivates understanding of different individuals and can create a more inclusive environment. 

CAIR-Ohio staff also distributed postcards that feature CAIR-Ohio’s ‘Educator Resource” page with students, their families, and educators. The Educator Resource features books that play a pivotal role in showcasing Muslim characters—these books teach readers about Muslim traditions, cultures, social contributions, as well as promoting a deeper understanding to the Muslim identity. CAIR-Ohio fully believes that positive Muslim narratives must be included in libraries and classrooms for Muslim students to feel included, and to open deeper, more meaningful conversations. 

“Muslims are the most ethnically and racially diverse faith group in America, and it is important for educators to expand their knowledge and understanding of different cultures, traditions, and perspectives to better serve Muslim students, as well as teaching other students about their Muslim peers,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. 

“Books that represent Muslims in a positive light must be part of an inclusive learning environment. It is vital that Muslim students are being accurately represented, and they have a sense of belonging when their stories are being shared in their classrooms.” 

CAIR-Ohio’s Educator Resource page can be accessed here. 

(COLUMBUS, OH – 5/19/2023) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) is proud to announce the launch of its new “Educator Resource” page. This resource is designed to empower educators by providing a diverse range of books, educator guides and toolkits, and information about the “Educating for Ohio’s Future” campaign. 

The launch of this page is a significant step towards fostering inclusive learning environments and promoting understanding of Muslim students, so that they can thrive in their schools. Muslims are the most ethnically and racially diverse faith group in the United States and it is important to include narratives that reflect this data. 

The newly launched “Educator Resource” page features a wide selection of books that highlight the rich tapestry of Muslim experiences. These books play a pivotal role in showcasing Muslim characters in a positive light and promoting a deeper understanding of Muslim identities and contributions to society. Unfortunately, several of these books have faced challenges and have been included on ban lists around the country due to misguided perceptions fueled by Islamophobia. CAIR-Ohio firmly believes that these books are vital for providing Muslim students with positive representation and nurturing a sense of belonging in the classroom.  

In line with its commitment to combating Islamophobia and uplifting the Muslim community, CAIR-Ohio recognizes the power of education in cultivating understanding, empathy, and respect. The “Educator Resource” page serves as a valuable tool for educators, equipping them with the resources needed to create inclusive classrooms that embrace the diverse experiences of Muslim students.  

This announcement comes ahead of the Ohio Education Association’s (OEA) “Summer of Diverse Readers” event, scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 20th. The OEA, in collaboration with the Hilliard Education Association and various community partners, will be distributing 9,000 diverse books to preK-6th grade readers in central Ohio, which is being held as part of the Read Across America year-round Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers campaign.  

“We believe in the power of diverse books and inclusive education to empower students of all backgrounds, including Muslim students,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox.  

“CAIR-Ohio stands united with educators, parents, and communities to ensure every student has the freedom to read age-appropriate books that reflect their experiences and respect their differences as well as foster a society that values understanding and inclusivity.”  

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

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.  

(COLUMBUS, OH – 5/18/23) – On Tuesday, May 16, CAIR-Ohio and various organizations across Ohio joined OPAWL for a press conference about the “Educating for Ohio’s Future” Campaign, which promotes a newly introduced bill that focuses on implementing multicultural perspectives into Ohio’s public school curriculum. 

House Bill (HB) 171 will benefit Ohio children of all backgrounds and will include histories, stories, and societal contributions of various groups into the curriculum. Often children of underrepresented groups feel left out and unheard in their schools, and this bill seeks to include their perspectives in the classroom and to give all students a worthwhile education for brighter futures. 

This bill will not only include the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, but also African American communities, Arab, African, and North African immigrant, refugee and asylee communities, Appalachian communities, Jewish communities, Latin American communities, and Native American communities. 

CAIR-Ohio, Columbus & Cincinnati Executive Director Amina Barhumi talked about the importance of sharing the stories of different groups, and how they make children more open, allowing for connection with their peers. 

“Incorporating cultural discussions and resources into the curriculum helps foster curiosity, support, and appreciation for the experiences of classmates from different backgrounds,” said Barhumi.  

“Students are more engaged when they see their communities reflected in the classroom. We want students to be excited about a topic in class that they relate to. We want to see their eyes light up when they find a book that they are interested in. It is important that our students can connect to the information that they are learning in school.” 

CAIR-Ohio is committed to ensuring that all students have access to an education that recognizes and celebrates the rich backgrounds of Ohioans.  

“Educating for Ohio’s Future” will foster an environment of acceptance, respect, and mutual appreciation for classmates and cultures. This not only creates a sense of belonging but also helps students develop empathy and the ability to collaborate with each other. By equipping our students with the tools, understanding, and knowledge needed to navigate the global economy, we are preparing them for Ohio’s future workforce. 

Watch the full press conference here. 

Learn more about the Educating for Ohio’s Future campaign here. 

(COLUMBUS, OH – 5/18/23) – Yesterday, CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox presented testimony to the House Higher Education Committee in opposition to House Bill (HB) 151 and its companion bill, Senate Bill (SB) 83, also known as “Enact Ohio Higher Education Enhancement Act”.  

While the bills claim to “enhance” academic institutions, the legislation clearly would be a destruction of academic freedom and the essence of what universities exist to do. Both bills target diversity, equity, and inclusion on public college campuses by prohibiting institutions from conducting any DEI training, holding any public opinion on public policy controversies, boycotting, and providing majors or courses of study on a wide range of topics such as ethnic and controversial ideology that can include religious and society courses.  

If passed, this bill will defund and terminate minority groups, including Muslim student organizations, such as Muslim Students Association, Students for Justice in Palestine, and Somali Student Association, who hold an integral role in advocating for uplifting and educating communities.  

“Defunding and terminating these groups would not only limit the representation and support for Muslim students, but also hinder the overall educational experience for all students on campus. Religious liberty and equal opportunities for all individuals to succeed are fundamental principles that should guide our educational policies,” said Hickcox.  

This legislation focuses heavily on “intellectual diversity”, but it does the opposite by censoring certain topics, content, and opportunities for diversity, equity, and inclusivity. This would have a direct effect on academic freedom and would make it more difficult for Ohio’s colleges and universities to retain students and faculty.  

Watch Victoria’s full testimony here.  

SB 83 has passed out of the Senate and is on its way to Governor DeWine’s desk to be passed into law. Send a letter to your elected officials to stop these bills from moving forward, it takes less than a minute through the action alert below. 

TAKE ACTION: Protect the Academic Freedoms of Muslims at Public Universities 

(COLUMBUS, OH, 5/11/23) – On May 3 and May 10, CAIR-Ohio participated in rallies held at the Ohio Statehouse in opposition to House Joint Resolution 1 (HJR1) and Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2) and to protect voting rights.

The rallies brought together Ohio leaders and citizens who gathered at the House Chamber to voice their concerns and demonstrate that the resolutions did not align with the views of the community, urging that they should not be passed. The participants sought to highlight the potential harm that these resolutions could cause if implemented.

In spite of significant opposition from hundreds of Ohioans who showed up in protest of the resolutions, SJR2 passed and will be on the ballot in an August special election.

The passage of SJR2 undermines the democratic principles upon which Ohio’s governance is built. By altering the rules for constitutional amendments, the resolution could concentrate power in the hands of a few, potentially allowing a minority to impose their will on the majority. This departure from the principles of fair representation and majority rule raises concerns about the erosion of democratic values and community participation.

The opposition to HJR1 and SJR2 reflects the broader sentiment among Ohio citizens that these resolutions may lead to an imbalance of power and hinder the democratic process.

SEE: Ohio House votes to send 60% approval amendment to special election in August
https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2023-05-10/ohio-vote-60-constitutional-amendment-august

“Despite the passage of the resolution, our commitment to preserving democracy remains unwavering. We now face a challenging landscape where our voices are being stifled and the gains of the past are threatened. But we will not be deterred. We will adapt, strategize, and continue the fight for justice, inclusivity, and equitable representation,” said CAIR-Ohio, Columbus & Cincinnati Executive Director Amina Barhumi.

“CAIR-Ohio stands resolute in our dedication to protecting the rights and voices of all Ohioans, even in the face of adversity. Together, we will forge a path forward, reclaiming the spaces where diverse perspectives can flourish and working towards a future where every citizen’s voice matters.”

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