On May 31, 2012, the Philadelphia Bar Association passed its “Resolution Affirming Religious Freedom” opposing PA House Bill 2029 titled “American Laws for American Courts.” The resolution was presented by CAIR-Philadelphia Civil Rights Director Amara Chaudhry, acting in her capacity…
I write to you with bittersweet news. I will be stepping down as the Executive Director of CAIR-Philadelphia exactly a month from today. This was a very difficult decision because I love this job, but I have chosen to move on and pursue graduate studies so that I may become a more effective public servant, God willing, and perhaps return to Philadelphia in a few years. Working with CAIR has been one of the greatest, most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life, and I am thankful to have been given the opportunity.
CAIR-Philadelphia works with local, state and national faith-based organizations to bring civil and human rights issues to the forefront. Protecting the basic human right to practice and express one’s faith freely is the responsibility of people of all faiths and traditions.
CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Moein Khawaja presents a lecture on understanding the phenomenon of Islamophobia; including where it comes from, its consequences and belief systems. Learn about anti-Muslim hate groups, the recycled talking points used by Islamophobes, anti-Sharia bills, biased law…
Amara Chaudhry, civil rights director at CAIR’s Philadelphia chapter, told msnbc.com that one community member, who went to a bank to deposit the paycheck of her son in the military, was not allowed to enter the branch before first removing her hijab, making her feel as naked as removing her blouse and bra. “She couldn’t even serve her son who is serving our country,” Chaudhry said.
Panel Discussion and Q&A at Temple University Khalid Blankinship, Religion Department Moein Khawaja, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Beth Lawson, Religion Department Elliot Ratzman, Jewish Studies Wednesday, April 25th at 4pm Anderson Classroom 5 Download Flyer (PDF) Sponsored by the…
Muslim civil rights organization supports protesters of anti-Muslim conference at Temple University (PHILADELPHIA, PA, 4/19/12) — The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) today expressed concern about the hostile learning environment that may result from an upcoming…
A common practice of the right-wing is to target minorities by using puppets and enablers within those minority groups to affirm xenophobic views. Dr. Zuhdi Jasser serves this role for the most vile anti-Muslim organizations and funders in this country. His organization, the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, is almost entirely funded by Islamophobe entities, including the Clarion Fund.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has led the effort to challenge the constitutionality of "anti-Shariah" bills as these are introduced throughout the country, and CAIR-Philadelphia has led the effort to challenge HB 2029 here in Pennsylvania. More than 50 "anti-Shariah" bills have been introduced in 25 states based upon the model "American Laws for American Courts" (ALAC) legislation drafted by the American Public Policy Alliance (APPA). Because ALAC legislation raises significant constitutional concerns, most of these bills have died in committee without going to a vote. In the end, only five states have adopted the bills.
