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

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, May, Recent News, Take Action

We need your urgent action to stop SB83 & HB151 to protect students & stop the censorship of diversity in state higher education institutions. The so-called “Ohio Education Enhancement Act” enables censorship and threatens the rights of faculty, staff, and students. It targets 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.

These bills directly impact religious liberty, employee rights and groups, and policies based on race among many other facets of social engagement and innovation in Ohio public schools. It also aims to ban partnerships with China which would mean a significant loss of funding for programs that connect Ohio to the world and make students global citizens.

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. Make no mistake—SB83 & HB151 are in no form “enhancing” the experience of students & educators—it is in fact destroying academic freedom and will alter campus life at Ohio’s public colleges and universities.

SB83 & HB151 are bad for students, higher education, and Ohio’s future.

Send a letter to your legislators urging them to oppose these bills. Take action here.

CAIR-Ohio Joins Arab American Bar Association Event

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, May, Recent News

(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. 

A Summer Celebration of Diverse Readers

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, May, Recent News

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.

CAIR-Ohio Testifies in Opposition to Resolution that Harms Voters

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, May, Recent News

(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. 

CAIR-Ohio Advocates for Multiracial Curriculum Campaign 

by CAIR Ohio in 2023, May, Recent News

(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. 

CAIR-Ohio Speaks on Religious Discrimination Panel at Fair Housing Event 

by CAIR Ohio in 2023, May, Recent News

(CINCINNATI, OH, 5/4/23) – On Thursday, April 27, CAIR-Ohio joined a luncheon organized by Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and family status. 

CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi, and speakers from the Jewish and Sikh community, participated in a panel discussion about religious discrimination. Mayor Aftab Pureval, Cincinnati’s first Asian American mayor, was in attendance and spoke about ways the city is working to address the housing inequities in Cincinnati. 

Barhumi talked about how religious discrimination affects housing for Muslims, which is the most racially diverse faith group in the U.S., and that a lack of knowledge of Islam is what causes discrimination. 

“The Muslim community is diverse, and the legacy and experiences of each community are unique. It is important to note that many Muslim families choose to rent, rather than take out a mortgage, due to a lack of options for homeowners who are unable to pay interest due to their religious beliefs, which further limits housing opportunities for our community,” said Barhumi.  

“It is also critical that landlords & real estate agents both understand the impact of redlining & its lasting effects on marginalized communities—particularly the Black community.” 

CAIR-Ohio Calls on Ohio Muslims to Make Their Voices Heard at National Muslim Advocacy Day

by CAIR-OHIO in 2023, May, Recent News, Take Action

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/2/23) – CAIR-Ohio joins the US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) to invite members of the American Muslim community to register for the 8th annual National Muslim Advocacy Day.  

This year, the National Muslim Advocacy Day will again take place in person on Monday, June 12, and Tuesday, June 13 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.     

USCMO is encouraging participants to register at least one month before the event, and no later than Sunday, June 4.     

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

All representatives for national, state, and local Muslim organizations and communities are encouraged to register for this two-day advocacy event. Muslim delegates and activists will meet with congressional offices to discuss the most pressing issues impacting American Muslims in today’s political climate.       

“As American Muslims, we have a responsibility to engage in the democratic process and advocate for issues that affect our community. National Muslim Advocacy Day provides a crucial opportunity for us to meet with our congressional representatives and ensure that our voices are heard, said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “As we approach this event, we are proud to continue promoting civic engagement and demonstrating that American Muslims are an integral part of our democracy. I look forward to joining my fellow Muslims in Washington, D.C., and advocating for the issues that matter to us.” 

Among the issues being advocated for, USCMO advocacy day delegates will be calling on Congress to reintroduce Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Jan Schakowsky and Senator Corey Booker’s Combating International Islamophobia Act legislation to address the rise in incidents of Islamophobia worldwide.     

For those who would like additional advocacy techniques and a more in-depth rundown on the advocacy day’s focused issues, there will be a series of online training seminars for those registered before the event. USCMO will also provide a day-of-event training at Congress for all participating Muslim community members.     

Last year, more than 300 delegates from 20 states met with more than 200 elected officials and congressional staffers during the seventh annual National Muslim Advocacy Day. Past participants have posted photos and commentary about National Muslim Advocacy Day on social media using the hashtag #MuslimHillDay. 

For more information about the event or how your Muslim organization or community can participate, please contact the USCMO at: advocacy@uscmo.org.      

You can also find more information on the history of the event and view videos from previous years here. 

CAIR-Ohio Shares Ramadan with Communities Around Ohio

by CAIR Ohio in 2023, March, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH — 04/27/2023) – During Ramadan, CAIR-Ohio hosted and attended over 25 Iftars across Ohio, including Greater Columbus, Greater Cincinnati, and Greater Dayton. These Iftars were held with the intention to build relationships, community, and funds to ensure that every Ohio Muslim can work, learn, live, and practice their faith free from discrimination, harassment, surveillance, and retaliation.  

Some of the highlights include a historic iftar at the Ohio Statehouse co-hosted with Representative Munira Abdullahi, the first Muslim woman elected to the Statehouse, as well as a night of spiritual reflection and community building at Masjid Abubakar Asiddiq Islamic Center, and dinners held at the CAIR-Ohio offices. 

Through the efforts of these gatherings, CAIR-Ohio was able to discuss the importance of safeguarding Muslim liberties and what that looks like on a community-based level. Thanks to the involvement of supporters and partners, CAIR-Ohio empowers the Muslim community through legal representation, education, government relations, media relations, and advocacy. 

CAIR-Ohio Opposes Bill That Aims to Silence Voters

by CAIR Ohio in 2023, March, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH, 4/27/23) – On Wednesday, April 19, CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi and Government Affairs Director Anisa Liban attended the Ohio Statehouse Resolutions Committee Hearing to provide opponent testimony for House Joint Resolution 1 (HJR1). 

CAIR-Ohio staff, along with dozens of organizations and Ohioans, were outraged when they were informed that they could no longer provide testimonies against the measure as a result of the committee halting the hearing and calling a surprise vote after hearing from only 6 constituents. 

TAKE ACTION: Protect the Power of the People in Ohio with Citizen-Led Ballot Initiatives 

HJR 1 would upend the constitutional amendment process and institute minority rule in Ohio, shred our Constitution, and take away our right to decide what happens in our communities. If passed, the bill will:  

· Increase the current voting threshold from 50%+1 to 60%.  

· If citizens spend months collecting signatures to put an amendment on Ohio’s ballot, their initiative will need 60% of votes to become law.  

· Remove the “cure period,” which is a window of time voters are allowed to fix any signature mistakes. This period permits voters to go back out and collect more signatures to try to make up for a shortfall. 

· Require an initiative petition proposing an amendment to the Constitution to have petitions bearing the signatures of at least 5% of the electors of each county in the state, instead of half of the counties. 

CAIR-Ohio voices strong opposition to HJR1, and its companion resolution SJR2, which if passed would make it harder to pass citizen-led ballot initiatives.  

“Our democracy cannot be fully called one, when the basic tenets and bedrock of democracy, of allowing citizens to have a say in their government, are made more difficult”, said Barhumi.  

“This impacts not only voting rights, but healthcare access, access to education, civil and economic justice, and much more. All of which are issues we combat regularly as an organization. Resolutions like this obstruct the voting rights of every Ohioan. HJR1 would also negate our continuous efforts as an organization to empower Muslims and underrepresented communities.” 

Additionally, at the committee hearing, Representative Brian Stewart made a statement on his own accord, what he termed “legal slavery”. CAIR-Ohio demands that he apologizes for these remarks and his conduct.  

“The lunatics in Portland took slavery out of the state constitution. And they did so because they wanted to make sure that you could no longer require people to go to court-ordered counseling, court-ordered drug treatment, court-ordered community service, and arguably, how do you even lock somebody up if you’re a child murderer in Oregon.” Stewart said. “’And do the child murderers in Oregon now get to say, “Well, sorry warden, I don’t want to wake up and make license plates today because that’s slavery.’” 

CAIR-Ohio will join the Ohio Voter Rights Coalition for a Day of Action at the Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday, May 3 to voice opposition to HJR1. We will be ready to mobilize & fight HJR1 by educating community members about the harmful resolution should it be up for vote in a special August election. 

If you are interested in joining, register here. 

CAIR-Ohio Co-Hosts Ohio-Wide Statehouse Iftar with Rep. Abdullahi  

by CAIR Ohio in 2023, March, Recent News

(COLUMBUS, OH, 04/13/23) – On Wednesday, April 12, CAIR-Ohio along with Ohio Representative Munira Abdullahi held an iftar dinner bringing together over 250 Muslim community leaders, public officials, and Ohioans of all backgrounds to celebrate the richness of the growing Muslim communities in Ohio and to highlight its diversity. 

CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi opened the event with welcoming remarks, in which she highlighted the rapid growth of the Muslim community over the past 25 years and the historic occasion of two Muslims being elected to the Statehouse.

Barhumi also shared, “this iftar convenes leaders, allies, and loved ones from across the buckeye state and serves as a reminder that Ohio thrives when its Muslim community and all marginalized groups are represented and feel a sense of belonging.” 

Honorary remarks were delivered by Leader Allison Russo, Quran recitation from Imam Bashir of Masjid Abu Hurairah, and spiritual reflections by Imam Abdurrahman Justin Wood. 

The keynote speaker was Rep. Abdullahi, who spoke about the power of community and engaging Ohio Muslims, and how honored she is to be the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Statehouse. She shared how Islam influences her work as an elected official and lawmaker, and in her approach to serving all her constituents. Abdullahi credits the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as her role model of leadership, and the example of justice, and treating all people with dignity and respect. 

CAIR-Ohio is thrilled to have been a part of organizing this momentous event and looks forward to doing so for years to come.