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

A mother and grandmother were reportedly walking with a 5-month-old infant in a stroller on Thursday evening at 4 Corners shopping center in Maple Valley, Washington. Both women wear a hijab, a head scarf worn by Muslim women. They were in a crosswalk with the right-of-way when an approaching vehicle saw the women walking and sped across the intersection, intentionally hitting the group. The driver allegedly sped off after striking both women as well as the stroller, causing it to tip over with the baby boy inside. The infant was uninjured, but both women were hospitalized with serious injuries, including a leg fracture and internal bleeding.

“We are absolutely horrified by the nature of this alleged assault, with two visibly-Muslim women walking with a five-month-old baby in a stroller being attacked in such a brutal manner,” said Imraan Siddiqi, executive director of CAIR-WA. “While we are truly thankful that the baby was unharmed and the injuries to the two women are not critical, we call on law enforcement authorities to investigate whether bias played a part in this crime against an innocent family.”

“It wasn’t just an attack on two women in hijab, but it was also an attack on a baby in a stroller. We believe this is a racially motivated and intentional attack, where the driver even went after a baby. It feels like a hit on humanity as a whole,” said Aamer, family member to the victims, who lives in Chicago.

Maple Valley Police arrested the driver of the vehicle, who is being held on $250,000 bail. The driver has been charged with a hit-and-run assault. While CAIR-WA applauds the Maple Valley Police Department’s quick response, it urgently calls for them to investigate this incident as a hate crime. Hate and bias against Muslims in America is at an all-time high.

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.

CAIR-WA’s 2024 Washington Muslim Survey found that respondents who identified as being visibly Muslim (due to wearing religious garb such as a hijab, niqab, etc.) were more likely to feel unsafe in their day-to-day lives. The full report will be published in late September.

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

Source: CAIR