CAIR-Cleveland & Northern Ohio

Category: Event

  • Celebrating Palestinian Culture: More Than 250 Guests Attend Local Universities’ Culture Night

    By: Fatima Abuabsa, Senior at Cleveland State University

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 6/26/23) – On Friday, May 12th, students from Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University, John Carroll University and Kent State University’s Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) organized a fundraising event for the Palestinian Children Relief Fund’s (PCRF) Medical Missions charity, while also providing a platform to showcase the richness of Palestinian culture and people.

    The event was held at Case Western Reserve University’s Linsalata Alumni Center. The night was filled with entertainment such as a performance of the traditional dabke dance, henna artists, local Palestinian comedian Tarek Muhammad, and a bazaar dedicated to supporting local Palestinian business owners. The event raised more than $2,500 in one night.

    Many notable organizations attended this culture night, such as the Cleveland and Northern Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland), PCRF’s Steve Sosebee, Jewish Voices for Peace, Cleveland Peace Action, Al-Awda, and the Islamic Society of Akron and Kent.

    CAIR-Cleveland’s Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh joined the event, in support of the students and their mission. Odeh emphasized the importance of freedom of speech, as CAIR’s mission is to uphold principles of freedom.

    “As a Palestinian it makes me so happy to see people celebrate the Palestinian culture despite the generations of us going through the Palestinian diaspora. No matter where we are or how long it has been since we have set foot in our country, we still remember,” Odeh stated.

    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, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/CAIRClevelandSubscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feedhttps://twitter.com/CAIRClevelandSubscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@cairclevelandFollow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohiohttps://caircleveland.com/donate/ 

    – END –

    CONTACT:  CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Chapter Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, 216.830.2247, fodeh@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com

  • CAIR-Ohio Attends Masjid Bilal’s Historic 40th Anniversary

    By: Wali Khan, Senior at the Ohio State University

    (CLEVELAND, OH – 6/20/2023) – On Saturday, June 3rd, the Cleveland and Northern Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) attended Masjid Bilal’s 40th anniversary commemorating its construction in 1983. Masjid Bilal represents the first mosque to be designed and built in the United States by an African American community.

    The anniversary was celebrated with a proclamation from the City of Cleveland, presented by the current councilwoman for Ward 7, Stephanie Howse, in which the City acknowledges the historic development of the mosque and establishes support for future endeavors.

    “Masjid Bilal has served as a good sounding board for the diverse Muslims in Cleveland for CAIR and has always uplifted the work we do in civil rights and helping empower our Muslim community. I hope we will continue to strengthen our relationship, InshAllah.” … “I felt so humbled to be one of the guest speakers at this historically significant masjid where renowned names such as Imam W. D. Mohammad exist,” said Faten Odeh, Interim Executive Director of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio.

    The leaders of Masjid Bilal’s community were also recognized for their support, receiving certificates of appreciation in acknowledgement of their dedication. Included within these leaders was Senior Imam Shafeek Sabir as well as Imam Ivan Nassar and Imam Ahmed Saeed. All three were acknowledged for their roles as founding members of Masjid Bilal and celebrated as current Imams. Also recognized were community trailblazers Brenda Shakoor, and Justine Parker. Both Shakoor and Parker are founding members for the Clyde Rahman Community Center, a nonprofit focused on providing healthcare for the elderly African American community. Omar Qadir, a longtime community member for over 50 years, was acknowledged for his dedication as the chief photographer and as a member of security. Mabel Mohammed, a matriarch, and member of the community for over 50 years, was also recognized for her dedication to supporting the women in the community. A special recognition was accepted on behalf of the family of Nina Mohammed, who unfortunately passed away on the day of the anniversary. Nina Mohammed was a long-time advocate for the community, organizing and cooking large events held by the Mosque and serving as an inspiration for all members of Masjid Bilal.

    Masjid Bilal is also home to the Salaam Clinic, which provides free healthcare services to uninsured and underprivileged children and adults in Northeast Ohio.

    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, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.  

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos. 

    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebook
    https://www.facebook.com/CAIRClevelandSubscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feedhttps://twitter.com/CAIRClevelandSubscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@cairclevelandFollow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohiohttps://caircleveland.com/donate/

    END

    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

  • CAIR-Ohio Welcomes Chief Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela to Cleveland State University

    (CLEVELAND, OH – 5/19/2023) – The Cleveland and Northern Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) welcomed the grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, Chief Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela to Cleveland State University. Chief Mandela is an elected member of the South African National Assembly representing the African National Congress.

    SEE: Israeli forces attack worshippers in violent Al-Aqsa Mosque raid

    As part of his U.S. tour to commemorate the 75th year since Al-Nakba, the U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) and the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR) along with the Cleveland & Northern Ohio Chapter of CAIR-Ohio, Cuyahoga Community College and the Palestinian Youth Movement arranged for Chief Mandela to speak on the connection between the apartheid struggle and Palestine, as well as the Black Liberation Movement. During his speech, Chief Mandela called for the end of imperialism and championed the cause of oppressed people everywhere.

    Al-Nakba, also known as the Palestinian Catastrophe, was the forced removable of more than 800,000 Palestinians from their indigenous land on May 15, 1948. The displacement and subsequent massacres of the Palestinian people occurred on this day, made way for Zionist occupying forces to create what is now known as the state of Israel.

    SEE: Israel attacks Gaza Strip, Al-Aqsa Mosque

    CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh said, “My father was born in 1947 in Palestine. He is older than the state of Israel, so how can some say that the land of Palestine was a land without a people? This rhetoric of erasure is unacceptable. Just like the indigenous Native American population, we were there, we are still there, and we will not be erased.”

    Odeh added, “The Council on American-Islamic Relations supports peace, justice and equality for all those living in the holy land and that means for Palestinians, too.”

    The event was held in Berkman Auditorium and attracted attendees from Cincinnati, Cleveland, Youngstown and other neighboring cities.

    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, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.  

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos. 

    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/CAIRClevelandSubscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feedhttps://twitter.com/CAIRClevelandSubscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@cairclevelandFollow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohiohttps://caircleveland.com/donate/

    END

    CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247

  • CAIR-Ohio Representatives Speak at Kent State University-Trumbull about Hate Crimes on Muslims in Ohio

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 04/11/23) – On Tuesday, April 11, the interim executive director and civil rights advocate of the Cleveland and Northern Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio (CAIR-Ohio) presented for students at Kent State University – Trumbull on the topic of hate crimes in Ohio.

    CAIR-Ohio was invited by Dr. Mary Wilson, a professor of the university’s victimology course. During their presentation, CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland and Northern Ohio Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh and Civil Rights Advocate Chance Zurub presented about Islam, Islamophobia in America, the absence of explicit hate crimes statutes in Ohio, and implored the students to brainstorm the best way to address the gaps in reporting and how Ohio legislation could better address hate crimes.

    “Simply calling a hate crime “ethnic intimidation” [as the Ohio legislation refers to] weakens the severity of the crime. The students brought up some good points that technically a hate crime does not explicitly apply to only ethnicity; it can apply to an array of other categories such as how people either label others or how individuals choose to identify. I was really impressed by the interest the students at Kent State University-Trumbull showed in making real change by brainstorming ways to address our legislators about the Ohio crime statutes or lack thereof,” said Faten Odeh.

    The CAIR-Cleveland & Northern Ohio chapter is excited to work with students and continue to collaborate on how to better our community and state. To book a speaker or a workshop from CAIR, please contact us directly at 216.830.2247 or email events@cleveland.cair.com.

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebook
    https://www.facebook.com/CAIRCleveland
    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feed
    https://twitter.com/CAIRCleveland
    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channel
    https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland
    Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/
    Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio
    https://caircleveland.com/donate/

  • More Than 400 Guests Attend CAIR-Cleveland Ramadan Iftar and Benefit

    More Than 400 Guests Attend CAIR-Cleveland Ramadan Iftar and Benefit

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 4/1/23) – On Saturday, April 1 the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OHIO) held its 14th Annual Ramadan Iftar Banquet with members of the Muslim and interfaith communities.

    More than 400 guests attended the iftar, which was held at LaVilla Conference and Banquet Center in Cleveland, Ohio. (“Iftar” is the meal eaten after sunset each day during Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.)

    The guest speaker was CAIR National’s Board Chair Dr. Manal Fakhoury. Dr. Fakhoury is also the president and CEO of Fakhoury Leadership International. The CAIR-Cleveland & Northern Ohio chapter was honored to be the first chapter Dr. Fakhoury visited since becoming CAIR National’s board chair.

    Alauddin Alauddin, Vice President of Muslim Family Services of Ohio (MFSOH) and the evening’s inspirational speaker, urged attendees to continue to support CAIR’s work to challenge Islamophobia and protect civil rights.  

    Tessa Xuan, statewide co-director of OPAWL, shared information about the Multiracial Curriculum Campaign, which CAIR-Ohio is a coalition steering team member.

    In addition, CAIR presented their I-CAIR Volunteer of the Year Award to volunteers Nur and Zayna Makupson, the Social Justice Award to Dr. Shereen Naser, the Generosity Award to Holyland International Imports, and the Community Service Award to Dr. Simee & Masroor Malik. Outgoing Executive Director Julia Shearson was presented with the Above & Beyond Award for 20 years of her selfless dedication and service to the community.

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

    Become a Fan of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Facebook
    https://www.facebook.com/CAIRCleveland
    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s Twitter Feed
    https://twitter.com/CAIRCleveland
    Subscribe to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio’s YouTube Channel
    https://www.youtube.com/@caircleveland
    Follow the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio on Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/cairohiocleveland/
    Donate to the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio
    https://caircleveland.com/donate/ 

    – END –

    CONTACT:  CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Chapter Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, 216.830.2247, fodeh@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com

  • CAIR-Ohio Representative Speaks on Civil Rights at CWRU Law School

    CAIR-Ohio Representative Speaks on Civil Rights at CWRU Law School

    (CLEVELAND, OHIO – 11/18/2022) – The executive director of the Cleveland Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio yesterday addressed students at Case Western Reserve University Law School on the topic of civil and human rights in post-9/11 America.

    Invited by the Muslim Law Students Association, CAIR-Cleveland’s Executive Director Julia Shearson spoke on issues of surveillance and privacy rights, disparate treatment in immigration enforcement, religious freedom in correctional institutions and other issues that impact the Muslim community and the constitutional rights of all Americans.

    Shearson shared a documentary called “I Am an American” which exemplifies the struggle of innocent Muslim Americans stigmatized by the so-called terror watch list. The film, which is part of the permanent collection of the 911 Memorial & Museum in NYC, highlights the Freedom of Information/Privacy Act case Shearson v. DHS which set legal precedent in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

    For more information on the I Am an American book and film series see: Open Democracy

    In reflecting on some two decades working in the civil rights arena, Shearson also spoke of the immigration case that helped launch the Cleveland chapter of CAIR. The case involved a Palestinian immigrant and mother of three US Citizen children who was being deported under the unconstitutional and discriminatory Alien Absconder Apprehension Initiative, a 2002 memorandum issued by the US Department of Justice which sought to target for selective enforcement immigrants coming from Muslim-majority countries.

    SEE: Pressing Public Necessity: The Unconstitutionality of the Absconder Apprehension Initiative

    Shearson spoke of the powerful collaborations between attorneys and advocates that can help advance the cause of civil rights. She pointed to CAIR’s role nationwide in promoting American Muslims to go into careers in law, political science, and journalism in order to help fight back against civil rights abuses in the national security context and to help promote justice and equitable public policy.

    “I felt encouraged and proud to see so many Muslim young people in the ranks of high-caliber law schools such as Case,” CAIR-Ohio Cleveland chapter Executive Director Julia Shearson said. “Upon graduation, these young people will help shape the future of public policy and the law in America.”

    First-Year CWRU law school student and current CAIR-Ohio intern Shatha Shahin, spoke about her work with CAIR’s Empowerment Program for Incarcerated Communities (EPIC), a project that involves outreach to thousands of people incarcerated in Ohio’s jails and prisons. The program is designed to help provide educational materials about Islam and civil rights as well as to help advocate for the religious rights and freedoms for incarcerated communities.

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

    – END –    

    CONTACT:  CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Chapter Executive Director Julia Shearson, 216.830.2247, jshearson@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com

  • CAIR-Ohio and Area Muslim Leaders Attend Interfaith Forum at Cuyahoga Community College

    CAIR-Ohio and Area Muslim Leaders Attend Interfaith Forum at Cuyahoga Community College

    (CLEVELAND, OHIO, 11-1-2022) – The Cleveland Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Ohio and members of Muslim leadership in greater Cleveland recently joined an interfaith luncheon forum hosted by the new President of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), Dr. Michael A. Baston.   Dr. Baston, a national thought leader in the fields of education, workforce development, and economic advancement, sought to leverage the voices of faith leaders in advancing social and economic justice in our region through promoting access to affordable high-quality education offered at community colleges such as Tri-C.

    At the forum, Dr. Baston, an inspirational faith leader in his own right, issued a clarion call to clergy and leaders of diverse faiths to center the message of education as a means to help congregants fulfill their human potential. He emphasized the centrality of education as a tool to promote sustainable and equitable regional development and as a means to prepare people for good paying jobs with benefits that allow them to build economic security and achieve lasting prosperity for their families.

    “Dr. Baston’s exemplary servant leadership and compassion are evident in his care and concern for the entire community and his insistence on leaving no one trapped behind the barriers of multi-generational poverty,” said Julia Shearson, CAIR-Ohio Cleveland Chapter Executive Director, who helped coordinate attendance of Muslim leaders at the event. “His message of inclusion and the need to lift all boats is especially critical in the Cleveland metropolitan area which faces stubborn disparities in terms of access to economic resources, high-quality education, and affordable childcare, housing, and healthcare.”

    To Learn more about the new Tri-C President, Dr. Michael A. Baston, click here.

    Click here to learn more about the breath of Tri-C’s educational services including more than 1,000 courses offered and more than 200 programs covering areas from career readiness and workforce development programs for high school students to their life-long learners and senior citizen programs.

    In keeping with the values of diversity and inclusion, Tri-C recently established a prayer space for Muslim students attending the main metropolitan campus.

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

    – END –

    CONTACT:  CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Chapter Executive Director Julia Shearson, 216.830.2247, jshearson@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com

  • More Than 460 Guests Attend CAIR-Cleveland Ramadan Iftar and Benefit

    (CLEVELAND, OH, 4/11/22) – On Saturday, April 9 the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OHIO) held its 13th Annual Ramadan Iftar Banquet with members of the Muslim and interfaith communities.

     More than 460 guests attended the iftar, which was held at LaVilla Conference and Banquet Center in Cleveland, Ohio. (“Iftar” is the meal eaten after sunset each day during Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.)

    The keynote speaker was law professor Khaled Beydoun, author of American Islamophobia: Understanding the Roots and Rise of Fear. Professor Beydoun discussed the ways Islamophobia manifests itself in US policies both at home and abroad and cautioned American Muslims to stay vigilant regarding the rising tide of hate against minorities in American.  

    Imam Johari Abdul Malik, a member of CAIR’s national board and the evening’s inspirational speaker, urged attendees to continue to support CAIR’s work to challenge Islamophobia and protect civil rights.  

    “The purpose of our Ramadan event is to help promote mutual understanding and harmony among all people,” said Dr. Ahmad Banna, president of the Cleveland Chapter of CAIR-Ohio.

    “After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, it was great to be able to host so many of our friends and gather financial support for our work,”  

    CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

    La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

    – END –

    CONTACT:  CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Chapter Executive Director Julia Shearson, 216.830.2247, jshearson@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com

  • Two Faiths: One Spirit | Free Public Concert Series

    Two Faiths: One Spirit | Free Public Concert Series

    TWO FAITHS: ONE SPIRIT

    March 14 – 18, 2018

    From the Sarajevo Haggadah to the Courageous Librarians of Timbuktu

    A richly illuminated Jewish holy book known as the Sarajevo Haggadah is saved from the Nazis during WWII by an Imam who recognizes its historical, cultural and spiritual value and hides it under the mosque floor allowing it to be preserved to this day. A group of courageous librarians risk their lives to save Muslim manuscripts and literary treasures housed in Timbuktu from destruction by violent extremists with the help of Harvard Professor, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, a Christian from West Virginia whose African roots lead him to help save the rich historical legacy of his ancestral land.

    These two parallel stories of religiously significant documents saved with the help of people of different beliefs shows the indomitable nature of the human spirit and our instinct to work together preserve what is beautiful and good in the world.

    For more info:
    citymusiccleveland.org

    Avner Dorman conductor | Merima Ključo accordion

    BARDANASHVILI Elegy for Strings
    KLJUČO Sarajevo Haggadah: Music of the Book – World Premiere
    RANJBARAN Seven Passages COHEN Warzazat

    Wednesday, March 14, 7:30PM
    Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, 23737 Fairmount Boulevard, Beachwood
    Thursday, March 15, 7:30PM
    St. Jerome Church, 15000 Lake Shore Boulevard, Collinwood
    Friday, March 16, 11AM
    Cuyahoga County Library Auditorium, 2121 Snow Road, Parma
    Friday, March 16, 7:30PM
    Lakewood Congregational Church, 1375 West Clifton, Lakewood
    Saturday, March 17, 8PM
    St. Stanislaus Church, 3649 East 65th Street, Cleveland
    Sunday, March 18, 4PM
    St. Mary Parish, 320 Middle Avenue, Elyria

  • CAIR-Ohio Hosts Muslim Day at the Capitol Event, Lobbies Against ‘Lunch Shaming’ and School Bullying

    CAIR-Ohio Hosts Muslim Day at the Capitol Event, Lobbies Against ‘Lunch Shaming’ and School Bullying

    (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.

    – END –

    CONTACT: CAIR-Columbus Public Affairs Coordinator Usjid Hameed, uhameed@cair.com, 614-451-3232