CAIR-Ohio Celebrates World Hijab Day with Ohio State’s Muslim Student Association

(COLUMBUS, OH, 2/9/23)On Wednesday, February 1, CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi and Government Affairs Director Anisa Liban celebrated World Hijab Day with the Muslim Student Association at The Ohio State University. During their discussion with Muslim college students, Barhumi and Liban focused on how the hijab plays a role in their faith and how they view it as a visible act of devotion to God.

Read More “CAIR-Ohio Celebrates World Hijab Day with Ohio State’s Muslim Student Association”

Official CAIR Statement on Islamophobia and Hamline University Controversy

Official CAIR Statement on Islamophobia and Hamline University Controversy

January 13, 2023


In recent days, our team at the Council on American Islamic Relations has been asked to share our perspective on the recent controversy at Hamline University. As the national headquarters of our civil rights and advocacy organization, we normally do not comment on local issues that arise in states with an existing CAIR chapter. However, we must sometimes speak up to clarify where our entire organization stands on local issues with national implications. Read More “Official CAIR Statement on Islamophobia and Hamline University Controversy”

CAIR-Ohio Hosts its Second Annual Muslim Youth Leadership Program

(COLUMBUS, OH, 01/19/23) – On Monday, January 16, The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) hosted over 30 high school students from all over the state for its second annual Muslim Youth Leadership Program (MYLP), a political education and leadership building experience for Ohio Muslim High Schoolers on Martin Luther King Day. Read More “CAIR-Ohio Hosts its Second Annual Muslim Youth Leadership Program”

CAIR-Ohio Celebrates Swearing-in of First Muslims to the Ohio Statehouse

(COLUMBUS, OH, 01/12/23)– On Tuesday, January 3, CAIR-Ohio attended the Swearing-in Ceremony of Representative Munira Abdullahi and Representative Ismail Mohamed to the Ohio Statehouse. Later in the week on Saturday, staff members joined a community event to celebrate Representative Abdullahi and Representative Mohamed as the first Muslim State Representatives in Ohio. Read More “CAIR-Ohio Celebrates Swearing-in of First Muslims to the Ohio Statehouse”

CAIR-Ohio Celebrates Religious Accommodations Bill Signed into Law 

(COLUMBUS, OH – 1/4/23) – The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) celebrated a decision by Governor DeWine to sign House Bill 353, otherwise known as the “Testing Your Faith Act” into law.

SEE: CAIR-Ohio Testifies in Support of Religious Accommodation Bill for College Students 

The law now requires the state’s public colleges and universities to allow three days of excused absences each year for religious observances and alternative accommodations for exams and classwork during those absences.

Higher education institutions providing students with these religious accommodations will create a more inclusive environment for Muslim students who can practice their faith freely and achieve academic success. Most importantly, this law sets uniform standards across classes and campuses without relying on the discretion of each professor or school.

The bipartisan bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Gary Click and Rep. Miranda and passed favorably in both the Ohio House and Senate, without any opponent testimonies. It has received widespread support from various religious and civil liberties organizations, including those from the Jewish and Sikh communities.

SEE: CAIR-Ohio Presents Proponent Testimony on Religious Accommodations Bill for College Students 

“Religious accommodations are an essential aspect of promoting inclusivity and support for Muslim college students. These accommodations allow Muslim students to fully participate in the academic and social aspects of campus life without compromising their beliefs and practices,” said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi.

“These provisions create a welcoming and supportive environment for Muslim students to thrive. By ensuring that Muslim students have access to these accommodations, colleges and universities can foster a more diverse and inclusive community where all students feel valued and supported.”

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, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.

END

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