(CLEVELAND, OH, 1/16/2009) – On January 15, 2009, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Cleveland Chapter participated in the 2nd Annual Hate-Free Lorain County Conference. The Conference, entitled Stand Against Hate – A Community Action, was organized by the Community Anti-Hate Task Force, which is an outgrowth of the Department of Justice/FBI Northern Ohio Hate Crimes Working Group.
The day-long seminar featured workshops, panels and group discussions designed to keep Lorain County hate free. Featured speakers included community activists, youth advocates, cross-cultural experts, members of law enforcement, and public officials.
CAIR-Cleveland executive director Julia Shearson participated on a panel on community perceptions of law enforcement and led a break-out session on understanding Islam and Muslims.
“The conference helps build coalitions to prevent hate and promote understanding across diverse communities, said Shearson. “It also helps promote positive relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”
CONTACT: CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, jshearson@cair.com, 216-830-2247.
CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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