The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the use of anti-Muslim tropes targeting Muslim candidates for public office, calling them repugnant and dangerous to both the candidates and their communities.

At a time when Islamophobic violence, hate crimes, and bias incidents are at an all-time record high, it is especially appalling to see the perpetuation of false and harmful stereotypes accusing Muslim candidates of supporting terrorism or extremist ideologies. These baseless and inflammatory accusations not only poison political discourse but actively endanger the lives of those who are simply exercising their right to participate in the democratic process.

In its 2023 directory of elected Muslim officials, CAIR found that over 235 Muslims are serving at the local, state, and federal levels across the United States. This fact underscores the important role Muslim Americans play in public life and the diversity they bring to their communities. Their service exemplifies the strength of our democracy and the inclusiveness of our nation.

In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert S. McCaw said:

“Incidents of such dangerous rhetoric and anti-Muslim tropes place Nevada Muslim candidates and their communities in harm’s way. Using Islamophobic smears and falsehoods to undermine the legitimacy of Muslim candidates is not just an attack on an individual but on the democratic principles of fairness and equal representation.

“CAIR calls on all political actors and members of the public to rise above such hateful campaign tactics and uphold the values of inclusion, respect, and safety for all Americans, regardless of their background.”

He noted that earlier this month, CAIR’s Washington state chapter (CAIR-WA) reaffirmed the right of all Americans, including devout American Muslims, to run for and serve in public office.

In every election, including this one, CAIR urges voters to focus on the values, policies, and leadership qualities of candidates, rather than allowing stereotypes or fearmongering to influence decisions.

CAIR remains committed to ensuring that all Americans, regardless of faith, can fully participate in the democratic process without fear of discrimination or bias. The First Amendment guarantees that religious freedom is a right for everyone, and no one should be disqualified from serving the public due to their beliefs.

From January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69 percent increase over the same period in 2023.

Earlier this year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints.

Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.

Source: Council on American-Islamic Relations