Protecting Civil Rights. Fighting Bigotry. Promoting Tolerance.
(COLUMBUS, OH, 2/9/23) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today condemned the alleged actions of a teacher who displayed an image of an orangutan eating watermelon during a Black History Month segment on the school’s morning announcements. Read More
CAIR-Ohio is commemorating Black History Month to celebrate and recognize the rich legacy and contributions of Black Americans. This year, the theme is highlighting the Enduring Legacy of Black Muslim Excellence and their mark on our nation. For the first week, the focus will spotlight three individuals who are most known for their Activism and Leadership.
(COLUMBUS, OH, 2/9/23)– On Sunday, February 5, CAIR-Ohio partnered with Simakovsky Law to hold an Immigration Clinic where clients had one-on-one consultations with an immigration attorney to review their case. Attorneys consulted clients facing a variety of cases, including recent arrivals to the United States, asylum seekers, and victims of domestic violence.
(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.
(COLUMBUS, OH, 2/9/23) – On Saturday, February 4, CAIR-Ohio and Hilliard City School District partnered in creating an informative Lunch & Learn hosted in the CAIR-Ohio Columbus office for parents and community members to attend.
(COLUMBUS, OH – 2/2/23) – The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today condemned an alleged neo-Nazi homeschool group recently discovered in Ohio. Read More
February marks the beginning of Black History Month 2023! Join CAIR-Ohio in celebrating Black Muslim Excellence in America.
(COLUMBUS, OH – 1/26/23) – The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today condemned the proposed amendment put forth by some Ohio House Representatives that would make it mandatory for all House sessions to begin with a “Christian Prayer.” Read More
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
(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
(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
(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.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi, abarhumi@cair.com, 614-763-6557
(COLUMBUS, OH 12/20/22) – Yesterday, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) signed on to a letter with several Ohio-based organizations urging Governor DeWine to veto House Bill (HB) 458. Read More
(COLUMBUS, OH 12/20/22) – On Tuesday, December 13, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) joined a rally with over 170 organizations to demand democracy and fight against House Joint Resolution (HJR) 6, a resolution to require 60% vote for initiated constitutional amendment as opposed to a simple majority (50% plus one). Read More
(COLUMBUS, OH 12/14/22) – Along with more than 40 state and local organizations, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) signs on to a letter urging Congress to preserve language included in the draft Senate omnibus bill, directing the Department of Homeland Security to establish a centralized process whereby people who were deported can apply for an opportunity to return to their families, homes, jobs, and communities.
Members of Congress issued a resolution that enforces permanent banishment with no process in place for immigrants to return. Lifetime separation from their families and the lives they built over years is an extreme consequence for an immigration visa problem.
CAIR-Ohio Legal Director Lina Abbaoui said in a statement: “The systems that immigrants must navigate presents numerous barriers and legal challenges that put a strain on families, and the health of communities. If we allow a dangerous resolution that permanently bars deportees from reentry, the cost of these systems intensifies for the most vulnerable and the impacts would be devastating.”
As a strong advocate of immigrants and refugee rights, CAIR-Ohio urges Congress to preserve language included in the draft Senate bill, directing the Department of Homeland Security to establish a centralized process whereby people who are deported can apply for an opportunity to return to their families, homes, jobs, and communities.
Read the full letter and list of organizations who signed on here.
CAIR-Ohio is a proud member of the Immigrant Dignity Coalition whose purpose is to inform, connect, and mobilize the Southwest Ohio / Northern Kentucky community to defend and protect the dignity of the immigrant and refugee community by working in partnership and as allies.