Executive Director CAIR-Ohio Columbus, Testifies Against SB 297 at Ohio Statehouse

by Khalid Turaani in 2024, December, Recent News, Take Action

Executive Director Khalid Turaani spoke at the Senate Judiciary Committee on behalf of CAIR-Ohio – Columbus | Cincinnati | Dayton alongside CAIR-Ohio Cleveland, Jewish Voices for Peace Central Ohio, and Learn and Liberate to stand against Ohio Senate Bill 297. This bill stated that Ohio would adopt the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism, which would criminalize the “conflation of Israel as a racist endeavor.”

This means that many student and community advocacy efforts, including chants such as “from the river to the sea,” would be up to the interpretation of legislators and could be deemed antisemitic under this definition. Such a move poses a serious threat to free speech and the ability to criticize the policies of a government without fear of criminal repercussions.

During his testimony, Khalid Turaani highlighted the dangers of adopting the IHRA definition, emphasizing that it conflates legitimate criticism of Israel’s government and policies with antisemitism, thereby stifling political discourse and activism. CAIR-Ohio, alongside its partners, argued that this bill undermines constitutional protections of free speech and the First Amendment while targeting advocacy for Palestinian rights.

The coalition urged lawmakers to consider the broader implications of this legislation, particularly its potential to silence marginalized communities and activists fighting for justice and human rights. Advocacy organizations reaffirmed their commitment to standing against all forms of bigotry, including antisemitism, while defending the right to hold governments accountable for their actions.

As this issue progresses, CAIR-Ohio and its allies will continue to mobilize and educate the public on the critical importance of safeguarding free speech and upholding the constitutional rights of all Ohioans.

While addressing hate is essential, this bill undermines efforts to combat genuine antisemitism by equating it with valid critiques of a foreign government. Stand with us in defending free expression and opposing this harmful legislation. 

By duplicating existing laws on hate speech and violence, this bill creates unnecessary legal overlap without offering additional protection. It also introduces vague and broad definitions that could be used to suppress activism, particularly among marginalized communities, and lead to selective and discriminatory enforcement.

Read the bill as introduced here

Khalid Turaani, Executive Director of CAIR Ohio in Columbus Stated: 

“While we support efforts to combat hate, including antisemitism, SB 297, as written, poses serious concerns. The bill threatens to infringe on First Amendment rights by restricting legitimate political dissent, particularly in criticism of a foreign government.”

Turaani added, “Instead of passing this legislation, we urge lawmakers to strengthen existing laws, foster dialogue, and focus on holistic, equitable approaches to combating hate and promoting justice for all communities.”

ACTION ALERT: Free Speech Under Attack – Say No to SB297

by Khalid Turaani in 2024, December, Recent News, Take Action
Take Action

Join CAIR-Ohio in urging Ohio state senators to reject Senator Terry Johnson’s proposed anti-free speech bill. This legislation dangerously expands the definition of antisemitism by relying on the controversial IHRA definition, which conflates legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Such a broad and misleading interpretation poses a direct threat to free speech and political advocacy, criminalizing protected First Amendment rights.

While addressing hate is essential, this bill undermines efforts to combat genuine antisemitism by equating it with valid critiques of a foreign government. Stand with us in defending free expression and opposing this harmful legislation. 

By duplicating existing laws on hate speech and violence, this bill creates unnecessary legal overlap without offering additional protection. It also introduces vague and broad definitions that could be used to suppress activism, particularly among marginalized communities, and lead to selective and discriminatory enforcement.

Read the bill as introduced here

Khalid Turaani, Executive Director of CAIR Ohio in Columbus Stated: 

“While we support efforts to combat hate, including antisemitism, SB 297, as written, poses serious concerns. The bill threatens to infringe on First Amendment rights by restricting legitimate political dissent, particularly in criticism of a foreign government.”

Turaani added, “Instead of passing this legislation, we urge lawmakers to strengthen existing laws, foster dialogue, and focus on holistic, equitable approaches to combating hate and promoting justice for all communities.”

Take Action

Press Release: CAIR-Ohio Calls for Ethics Probe of Alleged Racial Disparities in Sentencing by Judge

by Khalid Turaani in 2024, October, Recent News

Press Release: CAIR-Ohio Demands Medical Records and Transparency​

by Khalid Turaani in 2024, October, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH – 10/18/2024) — On Friday, October 18, The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) and leaders from the Somali-Muslim community held a press conference to address the discriminatory treatment faced by Deqa Haji, a mother and nurse whose child is receiving care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The community is demanding that Mt. Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital release all of Deqa’s and her child’s medical records and that Nationwide Children’s Hospital provide full transparency and cooperation regarding her son’s ongoing care. 

Deqa Haji has been struggling for some time with issues concerning her newborn child. The child was injured at birth, though it is unclear when and where the injury occurred. Deqa has been following up with endless investigations, and eventually, her newborn was taken away and placed under the care of child protective services.

Deqa Haji embarked on an exhaustive search and pursued every possible avenue to regain custody of her child, but the situation has become increasingly difficult. Deqa remains hopeful that she will eventually regain custody of her child, but there are many challenges that require resilience and determination. 

CAIR Ohio joins the community in calling on both Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Mt. Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital to release Deqa’s and her child’s medical records and provide the transparency needed to ensure she can properly advocate for her child’s health and well-being. 

Deqa, supported by her legal counsel and family advocates, has spent two years battling for her child’s well-being and to protect her parental rights. Advocates at the press conference highlighted how systemic barriers and discrimination have impacted Deqa’s ability to effectively advocate for her child. 

In a statement, CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani said: “Every parent deserves the right to advocate for their child. We call on Nationwide Children’s Hospital to honor Deqa’s parental rights and on Mt. Carmel St. Ann’s to release all medical records related to Deqa and her child. This transparency is crucial for Deqa to ensure her child’s healthcare needs are met.” 

Turaani also noted, “The family, alongside community organizations, is prepared to explore all available options, including legal action, to ensure justice for Deqa and her child.” 

In a statement, family advocates shared: “We want Mount Carmel St. Anne’s to respond to Deqa’s request to receive her and her child’s records. Without those records, she can not advocate for herself or her child. We are also calling on Nationwide Children’s Hospital to meet with Deqa to better understand her concerns and demands.” 

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 Kids Connect Event to Educate on Crisis in Gaza

by CAIR Ohio in 2024, July, Recent News

(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.  

CAIR-Ohio Joins Youth Islamophobia Event in Dayton

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, July, Recent News

(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 

ACTION ALERT: Oppose the Harmful “CAMPUS Act”

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, June, Recent News, Take Action
Take Action

We need your immediate attention and action regarding House Bill 606 (H.B. 606), also known as the Campus Accountability and Modernization to Protect University Students (CAMPUS) Act. While this bill claims to address bias, harassment, and intimidation at institutions of higher education, it poses significant risks and harms to various communities, including Muslim and Jewish students. Here’s why we must oppose this bill:

Inadequate Protection Against Islamophobia:

    • The bill does not place equal emphasis on addressing Islamophobia, despite the rampant anti-Muslim sentiment on campuses and the existing lack of adequate protections for Muslim students. This unequal focus leaves Muslim students vulnerable to continued harassment and discrimination.

    • The bill’s provisions for partnerships between university police and law enforcement could lead to increased surveillance and profiling of Muslim students, who are already disproportionately targeted under counterterrorism measures. This risks further marginalizing and criminalizing Muslim students.

Harmful Impact on Jewish Students:

    • The bill could inadvertently harm Jewish students by tokenizing them and assuming a monolithic viewpoint on contentious issues like Israel. Jewish students who criticize Israeli policies may be unfairly targeted for antisemitism, stifling free speech and academic discourse.

    • The vagueness of the bill’s language allows for the conflation of antisemitism with anti-Zionism, using Jewish oppression to silence legitimate criticisms of Israel. This not only creates a repressive environment for human rights advocacy but also diminishes the real threats to Jewish safety from white supremacist groups.

Unclear Allocation of Funds:

    • The bill allocates $4 million in funds without clear guidelines, risking the potential use of these funds for violent crackdowns on campus protests. This misuse of resources under the guise of enhancing safety has already made campuses more dangerous, as evidenced by recent arrests of protesters by campus police.

TAKE ACTION: Fill out this form to email your legislators TODAY and urge them to oppose HB 606, and CALL the Finance Committee Chair as they will potentially vote on it Tuesday, June 25!

CALL: 

Finance Committee Chair — Jay Edwards: 614-466-2158 / Rep94@OhioHouse.gov 

Bill sponsor #1 — Rep Justin Pizzulli (R): 614-466-2124 / Rep90@OhioHouse.gov 

Bill sponsor #2 — Rep Dontavius Jarrells (D): 614-466-5343 / Rep01@OhioHouse.gov

CAIR-Ohio Welcomes Khalid Turaani as New Executive Director of Columbus and Cincinnati Offices

by CAIR Ohio in 2024, May, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH, June 7th, 2024) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OH) in Columbus, announced the appointment of Khalid Turaani as its new executive director, overseeing operations in Columbus and Cincinnati offices.

Turaani brings more than 15 years of executive experience in public affairs and advocacy in Washington, D.C., and Europe. His tenure includes impactful engagements with Congress and the European Parliament, along with a decade-long tenure as CEO in the private sector.

Beyond his professional roles, Khalid has been a community leader in the areas of voters’ rights and coalition-building around electoral politics and human rights. Born and raised in a refugee camp, his journey has been one of service, spanning humanitarian missions from addressing the Flint water crisis to aiding refugees in Gaza, Thailand, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Turaani into our community. His wealth of experience and proven leadership resonate deeply with CAIR’s mission,” said Nabeel Raazi, President of the Board of Directors of CAIR-OH. “In these challenging times, extraordinary effort and leadership are imperative. We are delighted that our rigorous search process has led us to Khalid Turaani, an esteemed American Muslim leader of national recognition.”

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.

END

CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Columbus & Cincinnati Executive Director, Khalid Turaani, KTuraani@cair.com, (614) 401-6692

CAIR-Ohio Joins USCMO’s 9th Annual Muslim Advocacy Day to Advocate for Palestinian Rights

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, May, Recent News

(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.

ACTION ALERT: Support OSU Student First Amendment Rights

by CAIR-OHIO in 2024, May, Recent News, Take Action
Take Action

On April 25, 2024, a peaceful gathering at the Ohio State University (OSU) turned into a scene of unwarranted brutality. Students, faculty, alumni, and community members convened in solidarity with the Palestinian people, exercising their constitutional rights to free speech and assembly. However, their peaceful assembly was met with excessive force from law enforcement, resulting in numerous arrests and violations of civil liberties.

The incident on April 25th highlights a concerning trend of suppressing dissent and curtailing the fundamental rights of individuals to peacefully protest. We cannot stand idly by as those who seek to exercise their rights are met with violence and intimidation.

We urge you to take immediate action by filling out the form below to contact decision makers and call on them to rectify this injustice by:

1. Dropping all charges against individuals detained during the April 24th and 25th incidents at Ohio State University. These individuals were peacefully exercising their rights and should not face legal repercussions for doing so.

2. Ensuring that student organizers are allowed to peacefully assemble in public spaces at Ohio State University, without fear of retaliation or suppression from law enforcement or university authorities.

3. Join the Columbus City Council’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza, and advocating for an end to violence against the Palestinian people. It is imperative to work towards a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict, respecting the rights and dignity of all involved.

Click here to take action.