COMMUNITY ADVISORY:

CAIR-NJ, CAIR to Hold Special Know Your Rights Event Honoring World Hijab Day  

(Newark, NJ, 1/31/2025) – On Monday, Feb. 3, the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) and its national partner (CAIR) will hold a free, all-faiths-welcome webinar focused on rights related to wearing the hijab.

The groups invite people of all faiths and backgrounds to attend, ask questions and learn more about the hijab (Islamic head scarf) in a welcoming environment. Whether the topic is discrimination, workplace accommodations, or religious freedoms, this session provides valuable information and resources to help navigate challenges with confidence.

In a joint statement, CAIR and CAIR-NJ said:

“We invite people of all faiths and backgrounds to join us for this important conversation about the hijab. The hijab is more than just a religious symbol—it represents personal identity, faith, and empowerment. This webinar will provide a space for individuals to better understand the challenges faced by hijab-wearing individuals, and to explore how they can advocate for their rights in a way that fosters respect and inclusion for everyone.”

WHAT: Know Your Rights: World Hijab Day Edition

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Virtual, RSVP at cair-nj.org/hijabday25

WHO: CAIR Community Advocacy Director Nicole Fauster, CAIR Staff Attorney Nadia Bayado

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Programs Manager Isabella Shool, isabellas@nj.cair.com, CAIR-NJ Project Management Associate Deeba Majid, dmajid@cair.com, CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, 551-208-5482 aelamroussi@cair.com

SEE: CAIR to Mark World Hijab Day on 2/1 – #HijabisUnsilenced

World Hijab Day has announced, “The theme for World Hijab Day 2025, celebrated annually on February 1st, is #HijabisUnsilenced—a powerful movement to amplify the voices of hijab-wearing women around the world. This theme celebrates the strength, resilience, and determination of hijabis who, despite facing stereotypes and prejudice, refuse to be silenced. It highlights the hijab as a symbol of empowerment, identity, and solidarity.”

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.

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CAIR-NJ Welcomes Resolution to Recognize January as Muslim American Heritage Month, Urges Congress Support 

(NEWARK, NJ, 1/31/2025) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations of New Jersey (CAIR-NJ) welcomes the introduction of a resolution led by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rep. André Carson (D-IN) to recognize January as “Muslim-American Heritage Month.”

This historic measure celebrates the significant contributions of Muslim-Americans to the nation’s cultural, social, and economic fabric. CAIR-NJ commends this effort and urges Congress to pass this important measure, emphasizing the need to formally recognize and celebrate the contributions of American Muslims in building a more inclusive and diverse society.

ACTION ALERT: Support Sen. Booker and Rep. Carson’s Res. Recognizing January as Muslim-American Heritage Month

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:

“As a community, we’ve long been a part of the fabric of America, shaping the nation through our work, our values and resilience.

The reintroduction of this resolution is a much-needed recognition of the essential role American Muslims play in building a better, more inclusive society. We urge Congress to pass this resolution so that future generations can fully appreciate and honor the contributions of American Muslims, who have, and continue to, enrich every aspect of life in this country.”

SEE: CAIR-NJ Muslim Heritage Month Proclamations Toolkit 

New Jersey, home to more than 320,000 Muslims, began recognizing January as Muslim Heritage Month in 2024. CAIR-New Jersey has been at the forefront in highlighting American Muslims’ contributions and held a successful event last week featuring key figures and topics.

As the Muslim population expands, it is essential to acknowledge their resilience, celebrate their achievements, and ensure their voices are included in shaping a more inclusive and fair society.

The Congressional resolution highlights the invaluable contributions of American Muslims across various fields, including business, healthcare, science, and civil rights, with influential figures such as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X), Imam Warith Deen Mohamed, Muhammad Ali and Rashida Tlaib at the forefront.Despite the significant impact of Muslim Americans, they have faced widespread persecution, discrimination, and misrepresentation, which has hindered their full inclusion in American society.

Muslim communities, deeply diverse in ethnicity and culture, continue to combat challenges of Islamophobia and prejudice, even as they contribute to the nation’s growth. The American Muslim population is estimated at roughly 3.4 million.

BACKGROUNDER 

The resolution was re-introduced on Jan. 23, 2025, and co-sponsored by leading Democratic U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT). Also, U.S House Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar(D-MN), Lateefah Simon (D-CA).

READ THE RESOLUTION

The resolution was first introduced two years ago in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) and in the Senate by Booker.

The congressional “Muslim-American Heritage Month” resolution is in part based on Rep. Judy Chu’s (D-CA) 2018 and 2019 resolutions “Recognizing American Muslims’ history and contributions to our Nation.”

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

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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482

CAIR-NJ Condemns Reported Racist Text Messages by Monmouth County Officers, Calls for Investigation Transparency

(NEWARK, NJ — 1/23/2025) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations of New Jersey (CAIR-NJ) strongly condemns the reported racist and bigoted text messages exchanged by law enforcement officers in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and published by 7 On Your Side Investigates.

The messages, which the report by ABC 7 says were discovered inadvertently during an investigation into a police-involved car crash, reveal racist slurs and derogatory language used by officers from the Marlboro and Freehold township police departments in New Jersey. The news outlet reported the messages include racist slurs targeting Black and Asian communities, which is deeply troubling.

SEE: Police officers in Monmouth County, New Jersey sent racist texts to each other, records show 

At least one officer from the Marlboro Police Department used the n-word to describe a Black person, the ABC 7 investigation found. Another officer from Freehold Police reportedly wrote, “I’m not racist. I hate everyone. If anything, Jews is one ‘race’ I hate.”

CAIR-New Jersey has not been able to independently verify the reported text messages. ABC 7 Eyewitness News reported it has independently verified the authenticity of the messages from “multiple sources.” 

Still, such language is not only deeply offensive but poses a direct threat to the integrity and trust that should exist between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

“The revelations of these officers’ text messages are a stark reminder of the dangerous prejudices that some individuals in positions of authority may hold,” CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable in any workplace, and especially in law enforcement, where officers are sworn to protect and serve all members of society equally. Racism has no place in our police forces.” 

CAIR-NJ is calling on the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office to release the results of its investigation into the conduct of these officers, as well as an examination of their prior interactions with the public. It is critical that the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office ensure that all officers involved are held accountable not only for their offensive messages but also for their potential biases and actions during their duties.

The lack of transparency surrounding the disciplinary actions taken against the officers is also concerning. While one Marlboro officer was reportedly fired, there has been no clear explanation regarding the status of the other officers involved. Furthermore, both officers reportedly resigned from Freehold Police without authorities making the public aware of whether any corrective measures were taken against them.

CONTACT:  CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482  

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

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CAIR-NJ Urges Gov. Murphy to Pass Immigrant Trust Act to Protect Communities as Trump Inauguration Looms

(NEWARK, NJ — 1/17/2025) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations of New Jersey (CAIR-NJ) today calls on Gov. Phil Murphy to pass the Immigrant Trust Act and stand firmly in protecting the state’s immigrant population.

With nearly two million immigrants in the U.S., New Jersey has a moral and practical obligation to act swiftly by passing this critical legislation.

“New Jersey’s immigrant population is at grave risk as the incoming administration has made its intentions for mass deportations and detainments abundantly clear,” said Nancy Elbassiouny, Government Affairs Manager at CAIR-NJ.

“Protecting immigrants is not just an act of justice— but a necessity for preserving the diverse fabric of our communities. Gov. Murphy has the opportunity to lead by example and protect those most vulnerable to these harmful policies.”

During his recent State of the State address, Murphy reaffirmed his commitment to defending New Jersey values.

However, as President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration approaches, the dangerous and fearful threat of mass detainments and deportations looms. Murphy’s administration must take concrete steps to safeguard immigrant communities, ensuring that New Jersey remains a safe haven for all.

The Immigrant Trust Act is a critical piece of legislation that would ensure local and state resources are not misused to enforce unjust federal immigration policies. It would strengthen relationships between immigrant communities and law enforcement, building trust and promoting safety for all residents.

“Gov. Murphy must act boldly to pass this legislation and demonstrate that New Jersey will not stand by as federal policies tear apart families and communities,” Elbassiouny continued. “Words of solidarity are not enough. Action is needed now.”

Federal threats to immigrant communities are mounting, with proposals for workplace raids, mass detainments, and the potential end of birthright citizenship dominating the political agenda.

As one of the most immigrant-rich states in the nation, New Jersey has an obligation to lead. CAIR-NJ calls on Governor Murphy and the State Legislature to immediately pass the Immigrant Trust Act and protect the diverse communities that make New Jersey strong.

CONTACT:  CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482

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

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CAIR-NJ Rep to Attend Press Conference Held by the Palestinian American Community Center (PACC)

(NEWARK, NJ – 1/15/2025) — On Thursday, Jan. 16, a representative of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) plans to attend a press conference at the Palestinian American Community Center (PACC) in Clifton in response to the tentative Gaza ceasefire deal announced Wednesday.

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025

WHERE: Palestinian American Community Center (PACC). 388 Lakeview Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07011

In a statement, CAIR-New Jersey Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi said:

“CAIR-New Jersey welcomed the announcement of a tentative ceasefire deal. For more than a year, the world has witnessed the continued genocide of Palestinians, perpetuated by the Israeli and American governments—who have enabled this brutality with arms, funding, and political support. 

The destruction of entire communities, the mass displacement, and the loss of countless innocent lives cannot be undone by mere pauses in violence.  

It is long overdue for Palestinians to return to what is left of their homes and begin rebuilding a dignified life in peace while establishing self-determination after experiencing horrific conditions and unspeakable loss.” 
CONTACT:  CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482

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

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CAIR-NJ Welcomes Results of U.S. DOE Probe Concluding Rutgers U. ‘Likely Operated a Hostile Environment’ for Palestinian, Arab, Muslim Students

(NEWARK, NJ, 1/13/2025) –  The Council on American-Islamic Relations of New Jersey (CAIR-NJ) today welcomed the results of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) in response to a 2024 joint complaint filed by CAIR-NJ and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) against Rutgers University.

The complaint stated that the university engaged in patterned anti-Palestinian bigotry at the Newark law school and New Brunswick undergraduate campuses since the onset of the Palestinian genocide in October 2023.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) found that Rutgers University “likely operated a hostile environment based on national origin/shared ancestry in university programs or activities without redress as required under Title VI.”

[NOTE: Title VI, enacted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.]

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:

“We are pleased with the investigation results released by the U.S. Department of Education’s investigation, which affirms the concerns we raised regarding the discrimination faced by Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students at Rutgers University. It is a critical reminder that universities have a responsibility to create safe, inclusive environments for all members of their community. 

 “CAIR-NJ looks forward to meaningful changes at Rutgers University that will ensure the safety and rights of Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students are fully protected moving forward. We will continue advocating for justice and equity for students who are targeted because of their national origin, ancestry or faith.” 

The probe by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) came in response to a complaint filed by the ADC and CAIR-NJ in April 2024.

The OCR concluded that Rutgers University failed to respond effectively to discrimination reports made Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students. The office also found that the university likely violated Title VI by removing posters and memorials placed by Palestinian students aiming to highlight the atrocities of the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

“The University’s apparently pretextual stated reason for removing posters and memorials related to Palestine as violative of the University’s Law School’s posting policy while allowing other students and student groups to hang objects and posters during the same time period, suggests that the University has treated students with shared Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and/or South Asian ancestry and/or their association with these national origins/shared ancestries differently from other students based on shared ancestry,” the OCR wrote in a letter to the university.

Additionally, the OCR found that Rutgers University failed to protect its Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students from hostile actions by third parties, such as doxxing and harassment.

In August, CAIR launched its Unhostile Campus Campaign, a project aimed at fostering a campus environment where Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, and other students, faculty, and staff opposing the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza enjoy free speech and academic freedom and are not subjected to state force or university discipline due to their viewpoints.

Students, staff, and faculty who wish for their university or college campus to be considered as a potential “institution of particular concern” should complete the form linked below.

SEE: Report a Hostile Campus to CAIR

SEE ALSO: CAIR Report ‘Hostile’: How Universities Target Anti-Genocide Protesters While Enabling Anti-Palestinian Racism and Islamophobia

The organization adds in a disclaimer that the new form is intended solely to inform CAIR’s UnHostile Campus Campaign. Students, faculty, and affiliates seeking CAIR’s legal and advocacy services should continue to contact their local office or chapter, or in the event that there is no local chapter, file a formal report with CAIR’s National Civil Rights Department.

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

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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Aya Elamroussi, 551-208-5482

CAIR-NJ Celebrates Muslim Heritage Month: A Time to Honor and Reflect on the Contributions of Muslims in America 

(Newark, NJ – 1/8/2025) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations of New Jersey (CAIR-NJ ) proudly announces the celebration of Muslim Heritage Month throughout the month of January 2025. This important observance is a time to honor the rich cultural, historical, and social contributions of Muslims to the United States and to reflect on their impact.

Muslim Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the diverse and longstanding role that  American Muslims have played in the development of this country, from its founding to the present day. With roots in the early history of the United States, Muslims have made invaluable contributions to every aspect of American society, despite facing challenges and discrimination throughout history.

“Muslim Heritage Month is a reminder that American Muslims have always been integral to the fabric of American society,” said CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut. “As we celebrate this month, we are reminded not only of the remarkable accomplishments of American Muslims, but also of the ongoing struggle for equity, justice and the protection of our civil rights.”

SEE: Culture, faith, education: How NJ is marking Muslim Heritage Month

CAIR-NJ encourages elected officials and community leaders to observe New Jersey’s Second Annual Muslim Heritage Month. Recognition by policymakers would further elevate the contributions of American Muslims, foster a dialogue of mutual understanding, and encourage a more inclusive narrative of American history.

Muslims make up roughly a quarter of the world’s population. In New Jersey, there are more than 320,000 Muslims, about 3.5% of the population.

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

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CONTACT: Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482