Opinion Editorials, March 2014

Al-Jazeerah, CCUN, March 15, 2014

Video Invite: CAIR-MN Benefit Gala

CAIR: Missouri Muslim Capitol Day

Fla. Students Speak Out Against Prof's Anti-Muslim Bias

CAIR took its campaign against Matusitz further by releasing a video against the professor. In the video, Matusitz said that he has taught many Muslim students but claimed that they knew nothing about Islam. He also said that "anyone with a fraction of a brain should be afraid of Islam" after explaining that he has also been called an "Islamophobe."... Katelyn Picard is a humanities senior and Muslim Student Association member who converted to Islam and said many of Matusitz's views of the religion are untrue and skewed. "As a practicing Muslim, who is a convert, this story makes me livid. It makes me angry," she said. "I support what CAIR is doing about Matusitz, although many students and Muslims fear speaking out because they fear they will be lumped with 'extremists' or those that are intolerant of others."

Exposed: UCF Prof. Jonathan Matusitz's Irrational Anti-Muslim Prejudice

CAIR-MN: Bob Fletcher Expanding Fearmongering Training

CAIR-Chicago Announces Syrian Asylum Project with First Win CAIR-Chicago is pleased to announce the launch of 'The Syrian Asylum Project' to handle asylum cases on behalf of Syrian refugees.

CAIR: New Group Aims to Conduct Census of Muslim Americans (Wash. Times)

 "This census will create a database that will be used to enhance political participation in upcoming elections," council Secretary General Oussama Jammal said Wednesday during a news conference. "Hopefully, this will give inspiration to American Muslims who are interested in public service to know they have the votes behind them."

CAIR: Muslim-Americans Form Umbrella Group (Turkish Press)

CAIR: Muslim American Group Seeks Bigger Role in American Politics Video: Major Muslim Groups Launch New Council at D.C. News Conference

False: Rush Limbaugh Says Obama Turned NASA Into 'Muslim Outreach Department' (Politifact)

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CAIR-NY Holds 2nd Muslim Day at the Capitol in Albany

More than 50 members of the New York Muslim community participated in yesterday's 2nd Annual "Muslim Day at the Capitol," a program of that state's chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY).

CAIR Action Alert: Help Defeat New Anti-Free Speech Resolution in Maryland

An attempt is being made to by Maryand Delegate Ben Kramer to pass a newly-worded anti-free speech resolution that labels the American Studies Association, human rights advocates and supporters of the international Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement aimed at challenging Israel's occupation of Palestinian Territories as "anti-Semitic."

CAIR-CA: Islamic Center Delayed Over 'Environmental Concerns'

Fatima Dadabhoy of CAIR said project supporters look forward to working through the environmental report process with the county.

CAIR: Anti-Muslim Speakers Popular in Law Enforcement Training (RNS)

While Muslim-American activists and media reports have raised awareness about anti-Muslim trainers, occasionally resulting in curriculum reviews and canceled classes, many say the problem persists because there are too few police administrators to properly vet courses and instructors. The consequences, critics add, go beyond political incorrectness and include undermining public safety and obscuring real dangers as police officers chase bad leads based on profiling.

CAIR-FL Says Three Permanent Residents Not Allowed to Return to US

CAIR-FL says Russian Authorities reportedly told the brothers- Khusen, Umar and Khasan Taramov that '"the American side" had put in a request to keep them off the flight,' when they tried to board a plane to the United States in December.

Major Muslim Groups Launch New Council at D.C. News Conference

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/12/14) –

Ten* major national American Muslim organizations held a news conference today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., to announce the formation of the US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), an umbrella group that will serve as a representative voice for Muslims as that faith community seeks to enhance its positive impact on society.

The new national council's first priority will be to build on Muslim citizenship rights by conducting a census of American Muslims to create a database that will be used to enhance civic and political participation in upcoming elections.

View Video of Entire Press Club News Conference:

* Organizations participating in the initial launch included: (More organizations may be added at a later date.):

The Mosque Cares (Ministry of Imam W. Deen Mohammed), Muslim American Society (MAS), American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Islamic Circle of North American (ICNA), Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA), American Muslim Alliance (AMA), The Mosque Foundation (Chicago)

CONTACT: USCMO Secretary General Oussama Jammal, 708-288-1914, 202-683-6557, secretary_general@uscmo.org
 
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CAIR Asks State Department to Allow Fla. Muslims to Return to U.S. CAIR-Florida today called on Secretary of State John Kerry to allow three permanent residents from that state to return to the United States from Russia. In a letter to Secretary Kerry, CAIR-FL said, "the United States is unlawfully preventing three American residents, Umar Taramov, Khusen Taramov, and Khasan Taramov ("the Taramov Brothers") from returning to the United States by making it impossible for them to board a flight from Moscow."

Wash. Post Editorial: The FBI Must Come Clean About Todashev's Death CAIR-FL: 3 Russians Unlawfully Kept Out of US (AP)

Video: CAIR-FL Seeks Halal Meals for Prison Inmates The recent court order was praised the Council on American-Islamic Relations as a step in the right direction. "We feel that they should offer the same accommodations to Muslim inmates and all inmates regardless of their religious beliefs," said Hassan Shibly, executive director of CAIR's Tampa office. CAIR-FL: Muslim Students Find Possible Listening Device in Prayer Room CAIR-MI: CPAC Shows GOP Still Has Minority Problems (Detroit News) L.A. Gang Members in Syria: Why They Fight for Assad (CBS)

CAIR Action Alert

CAIR Calls on GOP Women's Group to Stop Promoting Anti-Muslim Speakers National Federation of Republican Women promotes ACT! for America and other hate groups

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/11/2014) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on American Muslims and all those concerned about the proliferation of Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry in our society to contact the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) to ask the group to end its support of anti-Muslim organizations and speakers. [NFRW claims to be "one of the largest and most influential women's political organizations in the country."]

CAIR's request comes in the wake of a letter it sent to NFRW leaders asking them to institute internal reforms to end the promotion of bigotry and following an announcement that the Lake Federated Republican Women's Club in Leesburg, Fla. -- an NFRW affiliate -- will host Islamophobe Jonathan Matusitz at an event on Wednesday.

In a video released recently by CAIR-FL, Matusitz says:

"Coexistence with Islam is not possible." "My colleagues say Islam is a religion of peace. I say it's a religion of pieces -- piece of body here, piece of body there." "When I see those 'coexist' bumper stickers on cars, I laugh because I think it's ridiculous." "Anybody with a fraction of a brain should be afraid of Islam because it's a dangerous doctrine."

On February 12, 2014, CAIR wrote to NFRW President Kathy Brugger to seek clarification of the group's views of American Muslims. In that letter, CAIR Department to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia Director Corey Saylor noted, "CAIR researchers have found a troubling trend of anti-Muslim sentiment in materials on your organization's web site and in activities of NFRW clubs."

In his letter, Saylor also wrote:

"NFRW clubs have a record of hosting speakers associated with anti-Muslim bias. The below events, all from 2013, are offered as an illustration:

New York's Nassau County Federation for Republican Women invited key U.S. Islamophobe Pamela Geller to give a presentation. Iowa's Magic Valley Republican Women hosted an event alleging 'financial jihad' and a 'Sharia Effect through Wall Street Banking.' California's Orange County Federation of Republican Women hosted Steve Martel of ACT! For America to lecture on the 'the true history, doctrines and goals of Sharia-compliant Islamists.' When Harmeet Dhillon, a Sikh, ran for the position of vice chair of the California state Republican Party, Vera Eyzendooren, president of the San Bernardino County Federation of Republican Women, wrote, 'I was told by one of Harmeet's friends that because of her religion, her loyalty is to the Muslim religion. 'So she will defend a Muslim beheading two men without any hesitation ... she is not Republican.' In a welcome move, the California Federation of Republican Women opposed Eyzendooren's comments."

Saylor followed up on February 18, saying he had subsequently been informed that the Bainbridge Island Republican Women in Washington state -- another NFRW affiliate -- hosted an anti-Muslim speaker on February 12. The federation has not acknowledged receipt of CAIR's letter or the emails following it up, and has not taken any visible action to end its promotion of anti-Muslim prejudice.

Contact the National Federation of Republican Women and ask the organization to end its promotion of anti-Muslim speakers and its alliance with hate groups like ACT! for America.

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Video: CAIR-MN Rep Interviewed on St. Paul Police Dept. Hijab Policy (TPT)

Kandra Mohamed is a new community officer for the St. Paul Police Department. She made history this week by becoming the first to wear the departments approved hijab headscarf. Lori Saroya with CAIR-MN explained to us the role of the hijab in Muslim culture.

CAIR: Dead Men Tell No Tales

(This American Life) Last May, a weird story made the news: the FBI killed a guy in Florida who was loosely linked to the Boston Marathon bombings. He was shot seven times in his living room by a federal agent. What really happened? Why was the FBI even in that room with him? A reporter spent six months looking into it, and she found that the FBI was doing a bunch of things that never made the news.

Islamophobia Watch: Fox News Hosts Call Quran a 'Bad Book,' Islam 'Most Intolerant Religion' Co-host Bob Beckel said. "I think Sharia law is a waste of time anyway, it's a goof, and it was handed down in a bad book.

A Frat of Their Own: Muslims Create a New Space on Campus (NPR)

Group Pushes for Halal Food in NYC Schools

MO: Islamic Cab Driver in Court Over Clothing

Nebraska Has Law on the Books Banning Teachers' Religious Attire In 1919, lawmakers voted for a bill that would punish teachers wearing religious garb in public schools.Their target was Catholic nuns.

Watch CAIR's Latest Video News Update

Topics Include: CAIR Urges Cancellation of Anti-Muslim Event in Fla. | CAIR Convinces Va. Agency to Drop Accreditation for Anti-Muslim Trainer | CAIR-WA Calls for Hate Crime Probe of hate Vandalism | CAIR Asks FBI to Probe Hate Incidents Targeting Colo. Muslims | CAIR-MI Decries Use of 'A-Word' | CAIR Rep on Chinese TV to Discuss Discrimination Against Muslims | CAIR Rep on Russian TV to Talk About Muslims in the Military | CAIR-FL Rep Interviewed on Growing Number of Hispanic Muslims | CAIR Director Speaks at Capitol Hill News Conference on Persecution of Muslims in Burma

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CAIR-MN: St. Paul Police Breaking Ground in Allowing Hijabs (Star Tribune) "This decision will enable more Muslim women to consider serving their community through a career in law enforcement," said Lori Saroya, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, in a statement.

CAIR-MN: Muslim, Hijabi Woman in the Police Force (Saudi Gazette)

Are Brandeis University Muslims Being Targeted by Hate? Signs torn down. A suite trashed. The Imam's Qur'an stolen. The removal of the words "Enter here in peace and security." The Muslim Students Association (MSA) at Brandeis has dealt with isolated incidents of vandalism in recent years, though no individual person has ever been held responsible for the incidents. The most recent problem occurred a few weeks ago, when someone precisely cut out the words "Enter here in peace and security," written in English under the words in Arabic, from a sign on the door leading to the MSA Suite in Usdan. EEOC Details Employer Rules as Religious Worker Complaints Rise In 2013, Umme-Hani Khan won her case against Abercrombie & Fitch, filed in 2011, after a supervisor said she didn't fit the model look for their San Mateo, Calif., store because she wore a headscarf.

CAIR Video News Update, March 7, 2014

If you missed any recent news impacting the American Muslim community, here's a 6-minute video review.

Topics covered in the video include:

CAIR Urges Cancellation of Anti-Muslim Event in Florida CAIR Convinces Virginia Agency to Drop Accreditation for Anti-Muslim Trainer CAIR-WA Calls for Hate Crime Probe of hate Vandalism CAIR Asks FBI to Probe Hate Incidents Targeting Colorado Muslims CAIR-MI Decries Use of 'A-Word' CAIR Rep on Chinese TV to Discuss Discrimination Against Muslims CAIR Rep on Russian TV to Talk About Muslims in the Military CAIR-FL Rep Interviewed on Growing Number of Hispanic Muslims CAIR Director Speaks at Capitol Hill News Conference on Persecution of Muslims in Burma

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Anti-Islam Bills Active in GA, FL, MO; Dead in MS The latest efforts to ban state court use of international or foreign law, often cited in the context of banning the use of sharia law by state courts, appear to be failing. Fox & Friends Foments Fear of Islam with 'Security Expert' from Anti-Islam Group Fox News has been described, in the Center for American Progress' report "Fear Inc.," as an echo chamber for America's cottage industry of Islamophobia. But now that the so called "Ground Zero Mosque" is no longer an issue, the steady drumbeat of Fox Islamophobia has diminished. But it has not totally disappeared as shown by Fox & Friends' recent embrace of a "security expert" from a radical, fringe anti-Muslim group who used his Fox platform to spread more Fox fear and loathing of Islam. It's no surprise that Ryan Mauro, whose work appears on anti-Muslim sites such as Front Page Mag, would be playing the hate card. ...

The 'Grover Norquist is a Secret Muslim Brotherhood Agent' Conspiracy Returns Just in Time for CPAC

Video: CAIR-FL Joins Embry-Riddle Students to Oppose Anti-Muslim Event

CAIR-FL Calls for Cancellation of Anti-Muslim Speaker at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (WMFE) Standing outside The Embry-Riddle Welcome Center, CAIR Florida Director Hassan Shibly says he has no problem with Matusitz, but doesn't think he should speak at a school where Muslim students may experience backlash. "He certainly has the freedom to promote fear and hatred, but we must recognize that his promotion against American Muslims is not cost free," Shibly says. Background: CAIR-FL, Students to Urge Embry-Riddle Univ. to Drop Anti-Muslim Event

Va. Muslim Leader Responds to Anti-Muslim Training (Daily Progress) The Islamic Center of Culpeper realizes that religious intolerance and bigotry result primarily from igno rance. That is why we have engaged the Culpeper Sheriff's department (CCSO) in a series of informal meetings to respond to the lies and misinformation of Mr. Guandolo while conveying the true message of Islam. CAIR: Minn. Bank Shuts Muslims' Accounts U.S. Government Sues Philadelphia Schools Over Beard Policy (Reuters) The U.S. government sued Philadelphia's school district for religious discrimination on Wednesday for demanding that a veteran Muslim police officer trim his beard. NJ: Muslim Women, Tradition and Change in the Arts to Be Topic Tonight Right-Wing Extremism: Germany's New Islamophobia Boom (Spiegel) Across Germany, right-wing organizations are using anti-Islam rhetoric to further their ideas -- and finding a receptive audience. Now legal experts are debating whether it's time for a new kind of hate-crime legislation.

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CAIR Protests Closures of Muslims' Bank Accounts (MintPress News) According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota chapter, America's largestMuslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, the closure of bank accounts belonging to Minnesota Muslims of Somali, Middle Eastern and South Asian origin, largely occurred between 2012 and 2013. ... Though it's not known how many denial-of-banking letters have been issued nationwide, according to CAIR's Michigan office, several members of the Islamic community have had their accounts closed by Chase Bank, which is why Abd Alla says CAIR-MN is "collaborating with other CAIR chapters to bring a national complaint against TCF, Chase and other banks who have violated civil rights laws."

Backgrounder: CAIR Welcomes Minneapolis Civil Right Director's Probe of Muslim TCF Bank Account Closures

CAIR-FL: Muslim Groups say ERAU Guest Spews Hatred (News-Journal) Professor Jonathan Matusitz of the University of Central Florida maintains that "coexistence with Islam is not possible," citing extremist groups responsible for mass violence, including attacks in Syria and Egypt in recent weeks. In a recent public appearance he said Islam is "a religion of pieces -- piece of body here, piece of body there." He will be discussing his views and fielding questions Thursday night as part of the annual President's Speaker Series, which covers topics ranging from aviation to education. ... Embry-Riddle officials have received a wave of emails over the past few days from people who take issue with his stance. Hassan Shibly, Florida executive director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil liberties group, described Matusitz's statements about Muslims as "un-American." CAIR-MN: The Shahzaib Bajwa Story - A Family Gives Thanks (Star Tribune) The Duluth Muslim community has been very helpful throughout this time, even though it is a small group of people. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Minnesota, was very instrumental in making this happen in a short span of time and has guided me at each step. CAIR-MN: Twin Cities Leaders Win Bush Foundation Grants (Pioneer Press) Lori Saroya of Blaine is co-founder of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Minnesota. She will use the money to pursue a master's in nonprofit management.

CAIR-MN: 24 Bush Fellows Will Work to Increase Their Leadership Abilities

CAIR-OK Commentary: Mandating the Pledge of Allegiance (Oklahoma Gazette) Indeed, a true sign of patriotism is to uphold the tenets of the Pledge of Allegiance in ensuring liberty and justice for all and not merely mandating its recital. Upholding our Constitution is the most patriotic thing that we, as Oklahomans of diverse faiths and ethnicities, could possibly do. CAIR-AZ: Anti-Defamation League Exploits Fear of Muslims The ADL's comments sparked pushback from the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Arizona.

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CAIR, Coalition to Testify at Maryland Hearings on Anti-Free Speech Bills  Later this week, the Maryland outreach office of CAIR will provide testimony for Maryland General Assembly hearings on controversial bills designed to limit free speech on state college and university campuses.

CAIR-Chicago Alert: Stop Illinois Bill to Restrict Free Speech

CAIR Community Scam Alert: Beware of Callers Misrepresenting Themselves as Government Employees CAIR continues to receive complaints from Muslims who have received calls from individuals falsely claiming to be from the DHS, FBI and IRS. Recently several chapters have received complaints from victims who were contacted by individuals pretending to be IRS agents and accusing them of owing "back taxes." CAIR-MN Director Lori Saroya Awarded 2014 Bush Fellowship CAIR-MN: Muslim Group Lauds St. Paul Police Policy Allowing Officers' Hijabs CAIR: Vandals Targeting Muslims in Fort Morgan Hate Crimes

CAIR: Fort Morgan Police Investigating Vandalism as Possible Hate Crimes CAIR-WA: Islamic Center of Bothell Target of Anti-Muslim Messages

CAIR-FL: Hispanic Muslims in the United States (Arabic)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR-FL, Students to Urge Embry-Riddle Univ. to Drop Anti-Muslim Event Appearance of Islamophobe Jonathan Matusitz will create 'hostile learning environment'

(TAMPA, FL, 3/4/2014) -- On Wednesday, March 5, the Florida office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-FL) will join a diverse coalition of Embry-Riddle University students at a news conference in Daytona Beach to urge that an invitation to University of Central Florida Professor Jonathan Matusitz, a notorious anti-Muslim bigot who claims "coexistence with Islam is not possible," be withdrawn. Matusitz is scheduled to speak at Embry-Riddle University on Thursday.

Video: UCF Professor Jonathan Matusitz Spews Anti-Muslim Hate CAIR: Muslim Group Asks Embry-Riddle to Cancel Event Featuring UCF Professor Jonathan Matusitz (Orlando Sentinel)

WHAT: CAIR-FL, Embry-Riddle Students to Urge Withdrawal of Invitation to Islamophobe WHEN: Tomorrow. Wednesday, March 5, 3 p.m. WHERE: Embry-Riddle University, Outside Jim W. Henderson Administration and Welcome Center, 600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 CONTACT: CAIR-FL Executive Director Hassan Shibly, 813-541-4321, hshibly@cair.com

"While Professor Matusitz has the right to spew his extremist anti-Muslim views in any private venue he chooses, he has no similar right to a place of honor at a prestigious university," said CAIR-FL Executive Director Hassan Shibly. "We believe the perception that Embry-Riddle University endorses Matusitz's hate-filled views will create a hostile learning environment for Muslim students."

Last week, CAIR-FL called on American Muslims and other people of conscience to contact Embry-Riddle University and request that Matusitz's appearance be dropped.

CAIR Calls on Fla. University to Drop Anti-Muslim Prof as Speaker Take Action: Ask Embry-Riddle University to Drop Anti-Muslim Prof as Speaker CAIR-FL Letter to Embry-Riddle University President

In a video released by CAIR-FL, Matusitz says:

"Coexistence with Islam is not possible." "My colleagues say Islam is a religion of peace. I say it's a religion of pieces -- piece of body here, piece of body there." "When I see those 'coexist' bumper stickers on cars, I laugh because I think it's ridiculous." "Anybody with a fraction of a brain should be afraid of Islam because it's a dangerous doctrine."

CAIR-FL has challenged Matusitz's anti-Muslim bigotry on a number of occasions.

Last year, Pinellas Country GOP leadership canceled a speaking event with Matusitz after learning of his toxic Islamophobic rhetoric. GOP stalwart Chris Latvala stated that Matusitz "bashes an entire religion practiced by many in Pinellas County, including fellow Republicans."

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.

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Council on American-Islamic Relations

453 New Jersey Ave, S.E., Washington, D.C., 20003 

CAIR Department to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia

Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857, csaylor@cair.com;

CAIR National Communications

Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com;

CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, arubin@cair.com

Opinions expressed in various sections are the sole responsibility of their authors and they may not represent Al-Jazeerah & ccun.org.

editor@aljazeerah.info & editor@ccun.org