CAIR-NJ 2023 Annual Civil Rights Report Shows 46 Percent Increase in Cases  

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 5/22/2023) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today published its annual civil rights report, Beyond the Courts, showing a 46 percent increase in the number of discrimination cases.  

The number of cases reported to CAIR jumped from 104 in 2021 to 152 in 2022. 

SEE: Beyond the Courts

The largest category of complaints is employment and workplace discrimination, which includes hostile work environments, explicit bias, and employer retaliation. School-related complaints are a top second and include curricula with anti-Muslim undertones, teacher biases, student bullying, and lack of religious accommodations for Muslim students. Unlike previous years, the report’s findings also note an increase in Hindutva-related incidents.   

FBI and law enforcement surveillance complaints sharply decreased, consistent with CAIR National’s 2023 Civil Rights Report findings. The sharp increase in school-related incidents, from just nine in 2021 to 27 in 2023, is also consistent with CAIR National’s findings. 

SEE: Progress in the Shadow of Prejudice   

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

“While we’ve seen a 46 percent increase in the number of cases we’ve fielded over the last year, it’s also important to note that we’ve drastically increased our chapter’s capacity.    

“So, while it is a possibility that anti-Muslim bigotry is on the rise, what is more likely is that we are slowly reaching the demand of the New Jersey Muslim community.”   

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Operations Coordinator and the report’s principal author Dyaa Terpstra said: 

“The face of anti-Muslim bigotry is evolving. In the years immediately after 9/11, civil rights groups saw cases of outright bigotry where Muslims were called racial slurs or explicitly told to ‘go back where they came from’ in the workplace, classroom, and in public.  

“More than 20 years later we still see such cases, but on a smaller scale. What is more common now is implicit bias, which is why we are taking on a more proactive approach to empowering American Muslims as opposed to reactive. 

“We’re spending less time in the courts and more time writing op-eds, putting on community programming, and engaging government officials at the municipal and state level.” 

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed said:   

“There is an African proverb that says, ‘Until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero.’   

“Over the years, as modern narratives of American Muslims took on an inaccurate and even anti-Muslim approach, it has become increasingly important and even necessary that Muslims be the primary authors and documenters of their own stories and histories. The primary mission of our work here at CAIR-NJ is to do just that: to record and tell the Muslim story in New Jersey with the nuance that such a diverse and layered community demands.”     

Moving into 2023, CAIR-NJ continues to take on a proactive approach to civil rights advocacy, becoming a leading and credible Muslim voice in media, engaging lawmakers and elected officials at all levels of New Jersey governance, and building socially and politically conscious communities. Some of the campaigns that CAIR-NJ is focusing on are religious accommodations in public schools, Eid advocacy, and sensitivity trainings for schools and companies. 

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

END   

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed, 551-221-5592, dsayedahmed@cair.com 

MEDIA ADVISORY 

CAIR-NJ, NJ Mayors to Announce Resolution in Response to Secret Service Banning Mayor Khairullah from White House   

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 05/18/2023) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) will convene with mayors and elected officials across New Jersey on Friday, May 19, in a call to action urging the White House and Secret Service to provide a detailed explanation of their sudden and baseless revocation of Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah’s White House Eid event invitation earlier this month.     

Elected officials are expected to announce a resolution, in addition to a sign-on letter, at the call to action.   

Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah and former Prospect Park Mayor William Kubofcik will be in attendance. Mayors Mike Pagan and Richard Rigoglioso of Teaneck and Garfield, respectively, will also attend, among others.   

WHEN: Friday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m.            

WHERE: Darul Islah Mosque, 320 Fabry Terrace, Teaneck, NJ 07666 

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed, 551-221-5592, dsayedahmed@cair.com 

LIVESTREAM: facebook.com/CAIRNewJersey 

Moments before Mayor Khairullah was set to arrive at the White House Eid celebration, he received a call from the White House Social Secretary informing him that because he had not been cleared for entry, his invitation to the White House was effectively revoked.    

SEE: CAIR-NJ Condemns Secret Service for Baselessly Banning NJ’s Longest Serving Muslim Mayor from White House Eid Event 

SEE: CAIR Urges FBI to Stop Distributing Secret Terror Watchlists After Leaks Show ‘Almost Entirely Lists of Arabic and Muslim Names’   

It later became clear that Mayor Khairullah is on an illegal U.S. watchlist. The list was leaked to CAIR in January 2023 and includes 1.5 million others. They are almost entirely Arabic or Muslim names.   

Mayor Khairullah was previously stopped and interrogated at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for three hours and questioned about whether he knew any terrorists. He was also forced to hand over his phone in the same incident.  

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

END    

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed, dsayedahmed@cair.com, 551-221-5592 

CAIR-NJ Thanks Sens. Booker and Menendez, Rep. Pascrell for Demanding Answers Over Mayor’s Ban from White House Eid Event

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 5/2/2023) —The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today thanked Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell’s (D-NJ-9) for their letter to the White House, and called on the Biden administration to issue a public apology to Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah, in response to U.S. Secret Service abruptly disinviting him from the White House Eid celebration due to security concerns.

Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-9) today wrote a letter to the U.S. Secret Service and the President’s Deputy Assistant and Social Secretary calling on them to provide “substantive reasons” explaining why Mayor Khairullah was denied entry to the White House for the annual Eid celebration.

Their letter states in part:

“We ask for you to provide our offices with information in a format and classification level that facilitates a detailed explanation of what occurred and why.”

SEE: Pascrell, Menendez, and Booker Ask Secret Service Why North Jersey Mayor Denied Entry into the White House

Separately, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued a statement expressing disappointment, saying “I was so profoundly disappointed that Mayor Khairullah — whose effective leadership and passion for public service has made him beloved in New Jersey — would be rejected from entering one of our nation’s more important civic spaces: our White House.”

SEE: Booker Statement on Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah Being Disinvited to the White House Eid al-Fitr Celebration  

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

“We thank Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez, as well as Congressman Bill Pascrell for pursuing answers from the Secret Service and the White House. The government must provide an explanation for the abrupt revocation of Mayor Khairullah’s invitation to the White House and ensure this never happens to him again. 

“We thank them for standing by the mayor and calling for a detailed explanation. Senator Booker has been especially swift in responding to our calls. We appreciate him and his team for their astute attention to this important matter. 

“In addition, we strongly urge the government to stop using the unconstituonal watchlist to target innocent people. While Mayor Khairullah is at the epicenter of this incident, it has been abundantly clear for several years now that expansive watchlists with no due process or transparency carry very real consequences, some of which cannot be reversed. This is long overdue.”

In a statement, Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah said:

“I express my gratitude and appreciation to the many elected officials who stood by me, including Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and Congressman Bill Pascrell, but it’s important to note that this issue goes beyond an invitation to the White House, or even myself as an individual.

“There are at least 1.5 million people on that watchlist, the majority of whom have Muslim and/or Arab names. It’s a disgrace that these sorts of lists exist, especially because there is no actual recourse for people like myself who are blacklisted. I ask the Biden administration to do what’s right and dismantle these lists entirely.”

During a press conference today, CAIR-NJ again called on the Biden administration to issue a public apology to Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah and re-invite him to the White House to discuss the tangible consequences of the watchlist during a press conference today, and echoed Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell’s (D-NJ-9) demand for answers.

SEE: CAIR-NJ NEWS CONFERENCE 

Several members of New Jersey Governor Murphy Intergovernmental Affairs team along with various coalition partners, including the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, the New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association, the Center for Security, Race and Rights, the American Friends Service Committee, Faith in New Jersey, Justice for All, and the Palestinian American Community Center also attended CAIR-NJ’s press conference in support of CAIR-NJ’s asks and Mayor Khairullah.

SEE: CNN Interviews NJ Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah About Being Barred from White House Eid Event

SEE: CAIR-NJ Condemns Secret Service for Baselessly Banning NJ’s Longest Serving Muslim Mayor from White House Eid Event 

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

END

CONTACT:  CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed, dsayedahmed@cair.com, 551-221-5592; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com, CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com

Muslim civil rights group will call for apology, invitation to White House for mayor, discussion of ‘tangible harms that watchlists have caused’ 

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 05/02/2023) — Later today, the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) will hold a news conference with Muslim community leaders in South Plainfield, N.J., to respond to the Secret Service’s “sudden and baseless” revocation of Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah’s White House Eid event invitation due to “perceived profiling.” 

Mayor Khairullah is expected to join CAIR-NJ and the community leaders at the news conference.

While Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the U.S. Secret Service, reportedly said that they are unable to offer comment on their “specific protective means and methods,” CAIR-NJ is concerned that the mayor’s invitation was revoked due to his status on the illegal government watchlist leaked to CAIR.   

SEE: CAIR-NJ Condemns Secret Service for Baselessly Banning NJ’s Longest Serving Muslim Mayor from White House Eid Event 

SEE: CNN Interviews NJ Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah About Being Barred from White House Eid Event

At the news conference, CAIR-NJ plans to call on the Biden administration to apologize to Mayor Khairullah and invite him to the White House, to meet with members of the Muslim community to discuss the tangible harms that watchlists have caused and continue to cause, and, ultimately, to disband such watchlists. 

WHEN: Tuesday, May 2, 2 p.m.            

WHERE: CAIR-NJ Office, 4475 S. Clinton Ave, South Plainfield, N.J., Suite #202 

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed, 551-221-5592, dsayedahmed@cair.com 

LIVESTREAM LINK: https://www.facebook.com/CAIRNewJersey/ 

BACKGROUNDER:

SEE: Muslim Mayor Says Being Denied Entry to WH Event “Reeks of Islamophobia” (Axios)

SEE: Muslim Mayor Blocked from White House Eid Celebration (AP)

SEE: Muslim Mayor Abruptly Disinvited from White House Eid al-Fitr Celebration

Mayor Khairullah was previously stopped and interrogated at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for three hours and questioned about whether he knew any terrorists. He was also forced to hand over his phone in the same incident. 

Khairullah had helped the New Jersey Democratic Party compile names of local Muslim leadership to invite to the White House’s Eid celebration. He is believed to be the longest-serving Muslim mayor in New Jersey and was sworn into his fifth consecutive mayoral term in January.     

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

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed, dsayedahmed@cair.com, 551-221-5592; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com, CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com

BREAKING NEWS:   

CAIR-NJ Condemns Secret Service for Baselessly Banning NJ’s Longest Serving Muslim Mayor from White House Eid Event 

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 5/1/2023) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today condemned the United States Secret Service’s perceived profiling of New Jersey’s longest-serving Muslim mayor, Mohamed T. Khairullah of Prospect Park, and the revocation of his invitation to the White House Eid celebration.   

Khairullah, who was sworn into his fifth consecutive mayoral term in January, had helped the New Jersey Democratic Party compile names of local Muslim leadership to invite to the White House’s annual Eid celebration.    

Moments before he was set to arrive at the White House for the annual Eid celebration, he received a call stating that because he had not been cleared for entry, his invitation to the White House Eid celebration was effectively revoked.   

SEE: ‘Biases can be melted.’ Muslim mayor to be sworn in for unprecedented 5th term. 

SEE: CAIR-NJ to Join Community Members at Swearing-In Ceremony of New Jersey’s Longest-Serving Muslim Mayor   

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

“That a well-respected Muslim leader would effectively be disinvited from the White House Eid celebration, just hours ahead of time, is wholly unacceptable and insulting.    

“Only months ago, Khairullah was praised by elected officials across the state as one of the longest serving Muslim mayors in the country, and the longest in New Jersey. Today, in an affront to the Muslim community and the American public at large, and in what could be perceived as a continued use of the secret watchlist, the Secret Service denied Mayor Khairullah entry, on the basis that he was not cleared by security.    

“This incident lacks transparency and reeks of government overreach. We call on the White House to override the Secret Service and reinstate the mayor’s invitation, disband the secret watchlist, and issue an apology to the Mayor. If these such incidents are happening to high-profile and well-respected American-Muslim figures like Mayor Khairullah, this then begs the question: what is happening to Muslims who do not have the access and visibility that the mayor has?”   

Maksut also noted that Mayor Khairullah was previously stopped and interrogated at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for three hours and questioned about whether he knew any terrorists. He was also forced to hand over his phone.   

This past weekend, Mayor Khairullah was among New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s distinguished guests at the governor’s mansion in Princeton, New Jersey.    

SEE: ‘Did you meet with terrorists?’ NJ mayor says officers questioned him at airport, took his phone   

CAIR has previously today called on the Biden administration to suspend the FBI’s dissemination of two of their secret lists, which leaked copies show to be “almost entirely lists of Arabic and Muslim names.”     

SEE: CAIR Urges FBI to Stop Distributing Secret Terror Watchlists After Leaks Show ‘Almost Entirely Lists of Arabic and Muslim Names’ 

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

END 

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed, dsayedahmed@cair.com, 551-221-5592.

CAIR-NJ Celebrates the Signing of Muslim Heritage Month Resolution into Law

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 04/29/2023) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today celebrated the signing of the Muslim Heritage Month Resolution into law by New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy. 

The signing ceremony took place during the Governor and First Lady’s Eid celebration at Drumthwacket, the Governor’s residence in Princeton, and was attended by members of the New Jersey Muslim community. 

The Muslim Heritage Month Resolution designates January of each year as “Muslim Heritage Month” in New Jersey and calls upon local government agencies and organizations to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and educational programs that pay homage to the growing American Muslim community.  

SEE: Governor Murphy Signs Joint Resolution Establishing “Muslim Heritage Month” in New Jersey

SEE: CAIR-NJ Celebrates the Assembly’s Historic Vote in Support of Muslim Heritage Month Resolution

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

“This is a historic moment. For too long, we’ve seen damaging and irresponsible depictions of Muslims. These narratives have tangible consequences, but now, we will be seeing the counter and, hopefully soon, prevailing narrative: One that highlights, celebrates, and acknowledges the American Muslim community in New Jersey.   

“We are happy to take this small step towards pushing back against anti-Muslim bigotry, and we are excited for what’s to come. We also want to thank the Governor and his administration for their support of this resolution.” 

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Government Affairs Manager Madina P. Ouedraogo said:  

“New Jersey’s Muslim community has long awaited this moment, when the Muslim heritage Month Resolution is passed and signed into law. Today, the Garden State is proudly celebrating its rich religious and cultural diversity.  

“American Muslims have and continue to be a pivotal foundation of this state, but they have long been stigmatized, marginalized, and underappreciated. This new law signals a new tide.” 

In a statement, Council of Imams in New Jersey Convener Imam Wahy-ud Deen Shareef said:  

“The history of Islam and the growing Muslim Community in New Jersey is rich in the lessons of how the human spirit struggles against social, political, and economic adversity to successfully establish a model life working to serve G_d and bring forward a model human society.   

“The late Muslim American Leader, Imam W. Deen Mohammed, encouraged Muslims to establish the best spiritual and social life possible reflecting the high morals and ethics taught by the Qur’an, G_d’s Word, and exhibit in practice the model traditional life of Muhammad the Prophet (prayers and Peace be upon him). This month acknowledges and celebrates these honorable objectives for Muslims and all citizens of New Jersey.”  

In a statement, NJ Muslim Parent Advocate Jessica Berrocal said:  

“Celebrating Muslim Heritage Month in January is a step towards building stronger, more inclusive communities that celebrate diversity and reject hatred and bigotry. This is a significant step towards promoting tolerance and acceptance among communities, and it serves as a reminder that discrimination and hate have no place in New Jersey.  

“Muslim Heritage Month not only recognizes the rich cultural contributions of Muslims, but also creates an opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of the religion, customs, and traditions. It is crucial that we protect the rights of Muslim children and ensure that they can express their religious identity without fear of discrimination or bullying. By advocating for inclusivity and raising awareness around Muslim Heritage Month, we can foster a more welcoming and accepting environment for all children in wholesome.” 

New Jersey has the highest percentage of Muslim residents in the U.S., at 3.5 percent, according to 2020 US Religion Census and the Association of Religion Data Archives.  Last month, two Muslim women who wear hijab, the Honorable Nadia Kahf and Dalya Youssef, were appointed to the New Jersey Superior Court bench. New Jersey also leads the way for local representation, with over 40 Muslim elected officials. The state elected the first ever Muslims to the New Jersey State Legislature, Sadaf Jaffer (LD-16) and Shama Haidar (LD-37), last year. 

Still, however, anti-Muslim incidents are on the rise. CAIR-NJ received over 150 calls for help in 2022 alone. This resolution seeks to push back against anti-Muslim bigotry by celebrating American Muslims and shedding a positive light on the community. 

The Assembly joint resolution (AJR194)  is sponsored by Assemblywoman McKnight (LD-31), Assemblywoman Speight (LD-29) and Assemblywoman Chaparro (LD-33) and co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Jaffer (LD-16), Assemblyman Stanley (LD-18), Assemblywoman Haider (LD-37), Assemblyman DePhillips (LD-40), Assemblyman Atkins (LD-20),  Assemblywoman Park (LD-37), Assemblywoman Jasey (LD-27), Assemblywoman Quijano (LD20), Assemblyman Conaway (LD-7), Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (LD-15) and Assemblywoman Sumter (LD-35)  

The Senate joint resolution (SJR105) is sponsored by Senator Pennacchio (LD-26) and Senator Stack (LD-33) and co-sponsored by Senator Bucco (LD-25), Senator Durr (LD-3), Senator Turner (LD-15), Senator Gopal (LD-11), Senator Greenstein (LD-14), Senator Lagana (LD-38), Senator Pou (LD-35), Senator Zwicker (LD-16).  

BACKGROUND:

Muslim Heritage Month started with a vision from the Honorable Imam Warith Deen Mohammed. The first Muslims to observe Ramadan in America were enslaved Africans who carried their faith with them and used it as a way to stay connected to their identities that were being brutally stripped from them while in bondage. It was their descendants, Black and African American Muslims, who would go on to later lay the foundation for the modern day American Muslim experience. The Honorable Imam Mohammed sought to make sure that this history is acknowledged and celebrated. 

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

END

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed, dsayedahmed@cair.com, 551-221-5592

CAIR-NJ Encourages Federal, State, and Local Elected Officials to Offer Eid ul-Fitr Holiday Greetings 

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 04/20/2023) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ)today encouraged New Jersey federal, state, and local elected officials to offer holiday greetings and statements commemorating Eid ul-Fitr, one of two major Islamic holidays.  

Eid ul-Fitr commemorates the end of Ramadan, a month marked by dawn to dusk fasting and increased worship and occurs on the first day of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar and .  This year, Eid will be on Friday, April 21st.   

CAIR National released a template message to elected officials requesting the introduction of local and state resolutions or proclamations marking the month of Ramadan and Eid –ul-Fitr. CAIR also provided sample resolutions for elected officials.     

SEE: Template Message To Elected Officals  

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Government Affairs Manager Madina P. Ouedraogo, MPA-PNP said:     

“As the holy month of Ramadan concludes, and Eid-ul Fitr commences, we encourage all New Jersey federal, state, and local elected officials to acknowledge and honor this sacred time for their New Jersey Muslim constituency by offering official statements, digital greetings, resolutions, or proclamations.   

“New Jersey elected officials are in a unique position. Unlike other states across the U.S., New Jersey has the most Muslim per capita. Approximately 400,000 adults in New Jersey are Muslim. 

“We hope that all elected officials within New Jersey will highlight the sacred month of Ramadan and the culminating holiday, Eid ul-Fitr, with inclusive and welcoming gestures and remarks.”  

BACKGROUND:    

New Jersey has the highest percentage of Muslim residents in the U.S., at 3.5 percent, according to 2020 US Religion Census and the Association of Religion Data Archives.   

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other world pleasures from dawn to dusk, and engage in a committed worship of Allah (God). The devotional act of fasting is observed by thousands of able-bodied Muslims statewide.  

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

END 

CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed, dsayedahmed@cair.com, 551-221-5592 

CAIR-NJ Welcomes NJ Dept. of Corrections’ Policy Allowing Religious Head Coverings for Publicly Posted Photographs 

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 04/17/2023) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today welcomed the New Jersey Department of Corrections’ (NJDOC) new policy allowing incarcerated people to wear religious head coverings for intake mugshots that are publicly available.

The department’s decision comes after almost two years of advocacy spearheaded by CAIR-NJ civil rights attorney, Nina Rossi, Esq.  

The new policy, which is applicable only to New Jersey prisons, states: “Incarcerated persons may request to wear their religious head coverings for intake photographs that are publicly available.” 

BACKGROUND:

In July 2021, CAIR-NJ filed an OPRA request asking about the NJDOC’s policies regarding intake photos. CAIR-NJ continued to outreach to NJDOC and in September 2021, NJDOC agreed to revisit their policy.    

In January 2023, NJDOC produced the current version.   

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

END

CONTACT:  CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed, dsayedahmed@cair.com, 551-221-5592 

CAIR-NJ Joins NJ Coalition Group in Condemning Israel’s Attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque Worshippers, Demands Action from Elected Officials

(SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ, 04/12/2023) — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today joined a broad coalition group of New Jersey-based Muslim organizations in condemning Israel’s attacks on worshippers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound and demanding action from New Jersey elected officials.