(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 11/2/17) — On Tuesday, October 31, CAIR-Ohio hosted its “Muslim Day at the Capitol” event at the Ohio Statehouse.
The event focused on empowering Ohio’s American Muslim community and advocating for legislation that would positively impact all Ohioans.
Participants attended 28 meetings with different members’ offices to discuss Senate Bill 172, The Hunger Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act, which aims to end the practice known as “lunch shaming” and for House Bill 360, the Ohio Anti-Bullying and Hazing Act, which aims to take a firm but rehabilitation-focused approach to bullying.
Opening remarks and the advocacy training were conducted by CAIR-Columbus Public Affairs Coordinator Usjid Hameed. Following the training, a panel focused on the importance of diverse voices in the policy process took the stage. Panelists included Assistant Senate Minority Leader Charleta Tavares, Columbus City Councilmember Jaiza Page, Assistant House Minority Whip Amelia Sykes, and Kelly Capatosto, Senior Research Associate at the Kirwan Institute. Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko addressed participants during lunch.
After lunch, the almost 70 attendees – including many Ohio students — broke into groups to meet with various members’ offices.
“It is critical in our current political climate for American Muslims to continue being engaged,” said Hameed. “This event provided an excellent opportunity for concerned citizens in the American Muslim community to enhance their understanding of the political process while urging Ohio lawmakers to address the issues of lunch shaming and bullying.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. The CAIR-Ohio affiliate has three chapters in Ohio – Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati. 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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CONTACT: CAIR-Columbus Public Affairs Coordinator Usjid Hameed, uhameed@cair.com, 614-451-3232