The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), America's largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. 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. The demand for our services has grown tremendously. From restrictions placed on Muslims to practice their religion, to profiling and discrimination stemming from a lack of understanding of Islam, the need for CAIR in Minnesota is great. The proof is reflected in the dramatic increase in civil rights cases by 250% from 2007 to 2013. CAIR-Minnesota strives to ensure that Muslims in Minnesota enjoy the same protections that all Americans have.
Enhancing the Understanding of Islam
CAIR-MN actively engages with the media to ensure that a fair and accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims is presented to the American public. This is accomplished through media appearances, press conferences, opinion editorials and letters to the editor. In addition, CAIR-Minnesota provides training to community members, media professionals, and employers. Media professionals are engaged In discussions about working with the Muslim community, with the purpose of helping to create an environment where fair and balanced journalism can thrive. The Muslim community is educated on working with the media to assert their rights and respond with confidence when met with requests for interviews.
Promoting Justice
Protecting the rights of Minnesota Muslims is at the core of CAIR-Minnesota's mission. We work vigorously to educate on behalf of community members experiencing discrimination and remedy cases through in-person negotiations, from filing charges of discrimination, letter writing, and referrals to our attorney referral network. Cases range from employment, public accommodation and school discrimination, to hate crimes and governmental religious/racial profiling.
