(BOSTON, MA, 5/3/23) – The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released its 2022 civil rights report, “Meeting Changing Needs.”
CAIR-MA received 124 requests for legal assistance in 2022, a 24 percent decrease from 2021, which is consistent with national trends reported by CAIR’s Washington, D.C. office. However, the schoolhouse replaced the workplace as the top site for complaints of harassment, discrimination, and abuse. School-related issues surged by an alarming 73 percent. In addition, calls about hate crimes increased by 33 percent, ending a five-year gradual decline.
In a statement, CAIR-MA Executive Director Tahirah Amatul-Wadud said:
“The greatest threat to Massachusetts Muslims in 2022 was the mistreatment of school children. The right to pursue an education is vital to creating a thriving and vibrant society, yet our report documents the stress and trauma that too many Massachusetts Muslim children face on a daily basis. We will continue to equip parents with needed tools to communicate with school administrators and to empower our young people to organize and advocate for proactive policies in their schools.”
In a statement, CAIR-MA Legal Director Barbara J. Dougan, Esq. said:
“For the past five years, we saw a steady decline in calls about hate crimes and harassment. Unfortunately, the trend ended in 2022, with a 33 percent increase in requests for help, some involving violent attacks. In addition to providing legal representation to victims, we will closely monitor this trend so we may quickly increase support if the numbers continue to move upward. We remain deeply committed to protecting the civil rights of Muslims to live without fear, to worship without penalty, and to learn without harassment.”
Last month, CAIR’s national office issued, “Progress in the Shadow of Prejudice: CAIR 2022 Civil Rights Report,” showing similar nationwide trends: a 23 percent decrease in total calls but a 63 percent increase in complaints about school incidents.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Barbara J. Dougan, CAIR-MA Legal Director, 781-281-9992, [email protected]