Islamophobia in the US, May 13-21, 2016, a CAIR Report

May 21, 2016

Muslim Head Covering Leads to Road Rage and More in Murfreesboro

The Muslim woman, who wears on Islamic head scarf (hijab), said she was exiting off highway 840 in Murfreesboro, Tenn., when a white male in his 40s driving a white Chevrolet Silverado allegedly began spitting at her vehicle and then tried to run her off the road.

As the Muslim woman tried to avoid the man's attack, he allegedly screamed "f**king terrorist" and other obscenities. When the Muslim woman got stuck in traffic while seeking to escape the assault, the attacker allegedly bumped his vehicle into that of the victim. He then got out of his vehicle and reportedly hit her window with his fists, while screaming "I will f**king kill you." When the alleged victim told the attacker she was taking photographs of him, he fled the scene.

Muslim Lives Matter.

CAIR: Fear-mongering vs. Fearlessness

Currently, America desperately needs people of faith who emulate Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr, and Malcolm X. We must step up to fight the fear-mongering with a justice-seeking fearlessness.

As the Asad translation of the Quran points out: Oh, verily, those who are close to God � no fear need they have, and neither shall they grieve (10:62).

Jimmy E. Jones is a Manhattanville College Professor of World Religions and African Studies, President of Islamic Seminary Foundation, and Secretary of the National Board of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
CAIR: Sisters Speak About Growing Up Muslim in Alabama (Video)

When they learned about the Facebook post gone viral that accused a Hindu gas station owner of being Muslim because he denied restroom access, they were hurt. "People have labeled that Muslims are bad. That's it. It's a bad thing to be Muslim,� Rowan said.

"This is a stark example; this is a textbook example of what stereotyping looks like,� Khaula Hadeed with the Council on American-Islamic Relations said.
Video: CAIR-Missouri Joins Suit Targeting Secret Blacklist Holding Up Muslims' Citizenship
Jersey City Public Schools to Close for Muslim Holy Day
The Smithsonian Asked Muslim American Children to Read Japanese Internment-Camp Letters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR, AMAC Call for State, Federal Hate Crime Probes of Attack on Tenn. Muslim Woman

(WASHINGTON, DC, 5/20/16) � The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and the Tennessee �based American Muslim Advisory Council (AMAC) today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate an alleged attack yesterday on a Muslim woman in that state as a possible hate crime.

CAIR: Muslim Head Covering Leads to Road Rage and More in Murfreesboro

City of Murfreesboro police are investigating the incident. (Case 16-10043)

"We call on local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to treat this apparent hate attack with the seriousness it deserves and to bring the strongest possible charges against the alleged perpetrator," said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.

"We thank local police for their prompt and professional investigation, and hope the information provided by the alleged victim will lead to a swift arrest and prosecution," said AMAC Executive Director Paul Galloway.

Earlier this month, CAIR's Houston office called on the FBI and state law enforcement authorities to investigate an apparently bias-motived threat to bomb a local Islamic center.

SEE: CAIR-Houston Calls on FBI to Probe Bomb Threat Targeting Islamic Center

Also in May, CAIR offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator of a hate attack on a Muslim woman in Washington, D.C., during which the attacker allegedly shouted religious slurs and statements of support for GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump.

VIDEO: CAIR Offers Reward for Info About DC Hate Attack on Muslim Woman

CAIR's Oklahoma chapter recently welcomed state and federal hate crime investigations of the stabbing of a Savanna, Okla., gas station clerk who was reportedly called a "terrorist" by the alleged attacker.

Hooper said these threats and attacks come at a time of rising Islamophobia nationwide, prompted at least in part by anti-Muslim rhetoric employed by public figures like Donald Trump.

SEE: CAIR-Florida Welcomes Sentencing of a Man Convicted for Threatening to Firebomb Two Florida Mosques
"Community Outreach" Director for Houston City Councilman Doesn't Want Muslims in the Republican Party
Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime in Grand Forks Somali Restaurant Fire
CAIR: 'It could get a lot worse for Muslims in America' (Washington Post)

If you believe your rights have been violated, you may call CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or email [email protected].

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; AMAC Executive Director Paul Galloway, 615-249-8185, [email protected]

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CAIR: Ohio Anti-BDS Bill Violates the Constitution and Free Speech Rights

Julia Shearson, the executive director of the Cleveland Council on American-Islamic Relations, said the bill is unconstitutional and would violate the First Amendment protections on free speech.

"Let's say the government should decide they're not going to do business with anybody who supports the Second Amendment," she said. "The state is saying if you have that belief (regarding Israel), we're not going to do business with you. . .I think it violates the free speech rights of people who wish to engage in lawful human rights measures to win people's human rights."
CAIR-MA Joins Amicus Brief in Church Tax Exemption Case

An "amicus curiae" or "friend of court" brief -- filed by the Massachusetts Council of Churches, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the Council on American Islamic Relations Massachusetts and Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Holliston -- states that if the ruling were upheld it would have "sweeping, potentially disastrous effects for religious organizations across the Commonwealth."
CAIR-Sacramento: Muslims, Japanese Americans Bowl at Facility that Previously Denied Them Service

Those denied service believed their mistreatment resulted from racial, ethnic and religious bias.

The Florin Manzanar Pilgrimage Committee, consisting of members of Florin JACL and CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) of Sacramento Valley, took several actions seeking an apology. The committee was established more than a decade ago in response to anti-Muslim sentiment following the 9/11 attacks.
- CAIR: Congressman Under Fire for Using 'J*ps'
  
  Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), urged King to "refrain from further use of derogatory language targeting any national, ethnic or minority group.�
  
  When asked later about using the term, King refused to apologize and said that people are too "politically correct.�
GOP Sen. Bob Bennett Apologized to Muslims for Trump While on Deathbed
CAIR-LA Launches SoCal Muslim Voter Mobilization Campaign
- Texas Republican Tries to Block Nominee From Office Because He's Muslim
CAIR: How Colleges Can Better Support Muslim Students

The Council on American-Islamic Relations reported that, between 2009 and 2010 alone, there was "a 50 percent rise in anti-Muslim vandalism, a 150 percent rise in Islamophobic rhetoric and a 300 percent rise in violence.�

That, combined with increasing visibility of Muslim Americans, has unfortunately resulted in violence toward Muslim students.
Alabama Veteran Claims 'Muslim' Gas Station Manager (Who Is Not Muslim) Refused to Let Him Use Restroom

CAIR-Missouri: U.S. Immigration Department Sued Over "Unlawful Delay" Of Citizenship Applications of Muslims

"This is a huge violation of people who are trying to be good citizens and good Americans,� said Faizan Syed, executive director of CAIR-Missouri, a Muslim civil liberties organization. "And what's truly disturbing is that there is no way to challenge your inclusion in the program, it was not authorized by Congress and there is no deadline to resolve these cases. Muslims living in America who are qualified to become citizens have to wait for years because of this discriminatory program.�

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CAIR-MN to Hold Free Legal Clinic, 'Know Your Rights' Seminar at Somali-American Mall

On Saturday, May 21, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will hold a Free Brief Advice Legal Clinic at a Somali-American shopping mall in Minneapolis, Minn.

The CAIR-MN clinic will provide free legal advice on issues such as civil rights, housing, immigration law, family law, consumer debt, and employment. CAIR-MN will also present a "Know Your Rights" informational seminar prior to the clinic.
- Video: CAIR-MN's Jaylani Hussein Receives Award from Minnesota/Dakotas American Immigration Lawyers Association
Video: CAIR Data on Bullying of Muslim Students Cited by PBS NewsHour
- CAIR: Anti-Muslim School Bullying - Sometimes, It's Even the Teachers Doing It
  
  Muslim students being bullied or harassed for their faith is increasingly becoming the norm not the exception in America.
  
  A 2015 study by California's CAIR chapter surveyed over 600 Muslim students in California and shockingly found that 55 percent had either been bullied or discriminated against. To put that in perspective, that's more twice the number of student reporting being bulled on a national basis.
CAIR-Florida Welcomes St. Johns County Month of Civility Proclamation in Response to Anti-Islam Billboard
- CAIR: Florida Man Sics His Five Dogs on Neighbor's Bichon Frise, Calls Neighbor a 'Muslim Terrorist'

MEDIA ADVISORY

Law Firm, CAIR-Missouri to Announce Filing of Lawsuit Against USCIS for Delays in Muslims' Citizenship

(ST. LOUIS, MO, 5/18/2016) � On Thursday, May 19, the Hacking Law Practice and the Missouri chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MO) will hold a press conference announce the filing of a lawsuit against the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of 13 area Muslims who have been waiting for years to become U.S. citizens

WHAT: Press Conference to Discuss Lawsuit Against USCIS
WHEN: Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 12:15 pm. - 12:45 pm.
WHERE: U.S. Federal Courthouse, 111 S. 10th St., St. Louis, MO 63102
CONTACT: Immigration Attorney Jim Hacking, (314) 602-3794, [email protected]; CAIR-St. Louis Executive Director Faizan Syed, 636-207-8882, 314-330-2946, [email protected]

"This lawsuit challenges the Controlled Application Review and Resolution Program (CARRP), a secret government program that holds Muslim immigration applicants to a higher legal standard," said Jim Hacking, lead attorney on the case. "While many are troubled by the spread of anti-Muslim rhetoric during this election cycle, including discussions regarding whether to ban Muslims from immigrating to America, this lawsuit challenges the current discriminatory practices of USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security."

"What's truly disturbing about CARRP is that there is no way to challenge inclusion in the program, it was not authorized by Congress and there is no deadline to resolve these cases," said Faizan Syed, executive director of CAIR-Missouri. "Muslims living in America who are qualified to become citizens have to wait for years because of this discriminatory program."

The plaintiffs are lawful permanent residents who come from all over the world - Iraq, Pakistan, Egypt, Bosnia, Nigeria, Albania and Palestine. The group includes business owners, students, teachers, and religious leaders.

The lawsuit was filed by the Hacking Law Practice, LLC, an immigration litigation law firm located in Webster Groves, in cooperation with CAIR-MO.

READ THE ENTIRE LAWSUIT.

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Video: CAIR-MN Fights for Muslims' Right to Build Mosques
New Push to Close Jersey City Schools for Muslim Holy Days
Michigan Bakery Owner Says Customer Canceled Cake Order After Finding Out She was Muslim
Analysis Shows Media Demonizes Muslims, Ignores Diplomacy, Avoids Root Causes

Islamophobia is at work in our national media, according to an original content analysis by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker peace and justice organization. The analysis shows a disturbing narrative link between Muslims and extremism, and then over-represents violent responses to politically motivated conflict.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Muslims to Begin Month-Long Ramadan Fast
CAIR offers Muslim communities 'Sharing Ramadan Resource Guide'

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/17/16) � On or about June 6, the Muslim community in America and around the world will begin the month-long fast of Ramadan (rom-a-don).

[*NOTE: Because the beginning of Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new moon, the start and end dates for Ramadan may vary. Consult local Muslim communities for the beginning and end dates of Ramadan. GO TO: http://www.islamicfinder.com ]

Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God's commandments. Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the "five pillars" of Islam.

The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called "Eid ul-Fitr," or Feast of the Fast-Breaking on or about July 6.

To assist local Muslim community leaders, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has produced a "Sharing Ramadan Resource Guide 2016" that offers step-by-step advice on hosting an interfaith iftar, or fast-breaking meal, with their fellow Americans of other faiths and backgrounds.

SEE: CAIR Sharing Ramadan Resource Guide 2016

The resource guide includes instructions on forming a "Sharing Ramadan" committee, a sample media advisory for an iftar, advice on reaching out to local media, an advertisement for the event, text for a "Welcome to Our Ramadan Fast-Breaking" brochure, frequently-asked questions about Ramadan, and a sample event program and newspaper advertisement.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. 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.

If you believe your rights have been violated, you may call CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or email [email protected].

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CAIR-OK Launches Muslim Voter Registration Drive at Mosques

Beginning today, and continuing for the next three Fridays, the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) will hold voter registration drives at state mosques to register Oklahoma Muslims in advance of the 2016 elections.
CAIR-Cleveland Offers Condolences on Passing of Human Rights Leader Michael Ratner

The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations today offered its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of attorney and human rights leader Michael Ratner upon his passing. He died on Wednesday May 10, at the age of 72 from complications due to cancer.
CAIR-MN: Muslim Advocacy Group Speaks to Employers

Jaylani Hussein believes that many conflicts involving Muslim-Americans rise out of ignorance.

"A number of the polls, Gallup polls, show that 75 percent or more of Americans have no or little understanding of Islam," said Hussein, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations' Minnesota chapter.

"If you look at today's headlines, you'll hear at least one topic or two topics about Muslim communities around the world. Unfortunately, they're always negative."
CAIR-Iowa: Waterloo Police Looking for Vandals Who Spray Painted Synagogue

The criminal act against the Jewish house of worship is being denounced by one of the state's Muslim leaders, Miriam Amer executive director of the Iowa chapter of CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

"Vandalism on a religious institution or on any minority community is unacceptable," Amer says. "It seems minorities are especially targeted. We are Americans, all of us. We need to stand together. This is unacceptable. It is heinous. It should be treated as a hate crime."
CAIR-SFBA: Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center to Hold Race Relations Forum

Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center is holding a symposium called ADRx: Innovations in Strengthening Race Relations in Our Communities from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. May 20 at Franklin Templeton Investment, 1 Franklin Templeton Parkway, Building 920, in San Mateo.

This is an opportunity to hear experts in their fields discuss the changing face of race relations in our communities. In a series of short presentations, the following moderator and five speakers will share innovative approaches to improving communication and understanding around race and diversity. . .

* Zahra Billoo, executive director, Council on American-Islamic Relations, San Francisco Bay Area chapter, the nation's largest American Muslim civil rights organizations, and a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR Asks NY Rep. Peter King to Apologize for Using Derogatory Term for Japanese

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/13/16) � The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on Rep. Peter King (R-NY) to apologize for his use of a derogatory term to describe the Japanese people earlier today on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

In a discussion of presidential campaign politics, King said "why pay for the J*ps, why pay for the Koreans."

Video: Rep. Peter King (R-NY) Uses Derogatory Term for Japanese on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe'

"It is unconscionable for a national elected official to use such a derogatory term to describe the Japanese people, or by extension, Japanese Americans," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "We ask Representative King to apologize and to refrain from further use of derogatory language targeting any national, ethnic or minority group."

King has previously engaged in smears targeting the American Muslim community.

In 2011, King, then chairman of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, held five hearings on the American Muslim community. After those hearings, which included 18 witnesses, King failed to produce the promised evidence to support his stigmatization of America's Muslims.

Not a single witness attempted to factually validate the congressman's allegation of a Muslim community run by extremists. Five of the six law enforcement representatives who testified did not support King's assertion that Muslims do not cooperate with law enforcement.

SEE: Rep. Peter King's Anti-Muslim Congressional Hearings

CAIR recently co-sponsored a bus pilgrimage to the former Manzanar World War II Japanese American internment camp in California.

Video: CAIR-CA Co-Sponsors Japanese American Pilgrimage to Manzanar WWII Internment Camp

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CONTACT:

CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected];

CAIR Communications Coordinator Nabeelah Naeem, 202-341-4171, [email protected]

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