(CLEVELAND, 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 that state.
SEE: Inside a US Neo-Nazi Homeschool Network With Thousands of Members
In a statement, CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi said:
“The emergence of an alleged neo-Nazi homeschool group only serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous and insidious growth of white supremacist ideologies in our country. Their hateful ideologies and messages of division have no place in our society, and we reject them in the strongest possible terms.”
“Whether it is Islamophobia, antisemitism or racism, we stand united in our unwavering condemnation of these hateful ideologies, and we refuse to allow bigotry and division to have a place in our communities. Let us work together to build a world in which diversity is not just tolerated, but embraced, celebrated and protected.”
SEE: Ohio homeschool under investigation for white supremacist curriculum
“The lack of proper regulation in the current education system is a glaring flaw that enables the proliferation of hateful and harmful ideologies,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox.
She added: “We demand immediate action to implement robust measures that guarantee all children have access to a safe, inclusive, and bias-free education, regardless of their learning environment. We cannot merely condemn these incidents but take action to ensure that taxpayer money is not funding the spread of fascist ideology and inculcation of bigotry.”
SEE: Politicians, education officials condemn Ohio couple who run neo-Nazi home school group on Telegram
“As a former classroom teacher, I know firsthand the power of education to shape young minds,” said CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh. “It is unacceptable that children are being subjected to neo-Nazi ideologies and hateful messages. These toxic beliefs have no place in the classroom or any learning environment. We must take action to ensure that every child receives a safe and inclusive education that celebrates diversity and promotes understanding.
“A multiracial curriculum is crucial for the development of inclusive and informed individuals who understand and appreciate the diversity of our world. By exposing students to a range of perspectives and cultures, we foster empathy, critical thinking, and a commitment to creating a just and equitable society for all.”
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; CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247