The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today welcomed Rocky River School District’s response to hateful messages left on car windshields in Rocky River High School’s parking lot last Wednesday, Oct. 1.
“Messages of hate and discrimination do not reflect the values of our schools or our community. We won’t give these hateful messages amplification. We remain committed to maintaining a school community where every student, staff member and family is treated with dignity and respect,” said Principal Carrie Knapp and Superintendent Adham Schirg.
In a statement, CAIR Ohio, Northern Executive Director Faten Husni Odeh said:
“Messages that target individuals based on their faith, identity, or background have no place in our schools and undermine the values of respect, inclusion, and dignity that educational institutions are meant to uphold.
“We commend the Rocky River School District for its swift and principled response and for reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that every person is treated with respect and valued as a member of the school community, regardless of their background or beliefs. As a former educator and a parent, I am encouraged by the district’s leadership and hope more institutions respond with the same clarity and resolve when confronted with acts of hate. Creating safe, welcoming environments for all is not only a responsibility, it is a reflection of our shared values.”
CAIR-Ohio encourages any victims of hate crimes or harassment to report incidents to local law enforcement and contact CAIR-Ohio for legal and community support. In 2023, CAIR released an updated Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices, to help educators with caring for their Muslim students.
CAIR’s latest civil rights report documented 8,683 anti-Muslim bias complaints in 2025 – the highest number ever recorded by the organization since it began publishing civil rights reports in 1996.
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.
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: CAIR-Ohio, Northern Executive Director Faten Odeh, [email protected], 216-830-2247; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]