|
(COLUMBUS, OH, 12/4/2024) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today called for an ethics investigation of a Pickaway County judge after a study reportedly showed that Black defendants were consistently sentenced more harshly than white defendants. |
(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.
(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.
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:
Harmful Impact on Jewish Students:
Unclear Allocation of Funds:
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
(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
(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:
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.
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.
(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.
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.
END
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.
“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.
END
CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox, vhickcox@cair.com, 513-906-5728
