Category: May

(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/

(COLUMBUS, OH, 5/9/23) Last week, CAIR-Ohio Deputy & Legal Director Lina Abbaoui attended a lunch hosted by The Arab American Bar Association of Ohio (AABAR-Ohio). Since 2010, AABAR-Ohio attorneys have had regular meetings with the purpose of networking and strengthening ties to overcome challenges together.  

The lunch event was attended by attorneys from across Central Ohio who discussed their work and made connections to further strengthen their relationships. The event provided an excellent opportunity for the attendees to engage with each other, exchange ideas, and learn about the latest developments in their respective fields. 

Apart from the networking opportunities, AABAR-Ohio also provides a platform for Arab American attorneys to voice their concerns and advocate for their rights. The association aims to empower Arab American attorneys and strengthen their representation in the legal profession. 

To learn more about AABAR-Ohio or to get involved, visit www.arabamericanbarohio.org. 

Join CAIR-Ohio and the Ohio Education Association for “A Summer Celebration of Diverse Readers” event on Saturday, May 20th at Warehouse 839 (3691 Main Street, Hilliard, OH 43026). 

Our goal is to put books featuring diverse characters, written by diverse authors, into the hands of 9,000 children in grades PreK-6th. It is imperative to provide culturally relevant and responsive content for all students, including Muslims, so that they feel included and represented. 

This event will include a Readers’ Corner, and also activities such as face painting and a selfie station! RSVP for the event here.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click here to sign up.

(COLUMBUS, OH, 5/4/23) – On Tuesday, May 2, CAIR-Ohio Government Affairs Director Anisa Liban presented testimony to the House Constitutional Resolutions Committee in opposition to Senate Joint Resolution (S.J.R.) 2. 

S.J.R. 2 will require a vote of at least 60%, as opposed to a simple majority of 50% plus 1, of the electors to approve any constitutional amendment and to modify the procedures for an initiative petition proposing a constitutional amendment. This will pose barriers for Ohioans to pass citizen-led ballot initiatives to amend the state constitution and will leave a harmful impact on not only voting rights, but healthcare access, access to education, civil and economic justice, and much more. 

“If an amendment is going to apply to every Ohioan, we at CAIR-Ohio believe then every community should have a say in putting that potential constitution amendment on the ballot,” said Liban. 

View Anisa’s full testimony here. 

(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.