The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Islamic Maryland Action Network (IMAN Network) today announced their legislative priorities for the 2026 Maryland Muslim Lobby Day taking place on Monday, February 16. The priorities reflect a comprehensive policy agenda focused on civil rights, public education, youth justice, voting access, immigrant protections, and ethical stewardship of public resources.
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The coalition is advocating for legislation across several key areas, including:
Public Education & Cultural Inclusion
- Supporting curriculum standards that include Palestinian culture and history education.
- Strengthening anti-bullying protections and inclusive educational standards for diverse student populations.
Civil Rights & Privacy Protections
- Prohibiting the unauthorized distribution of students’ personal information.
- Addressing voter intimidation and strengthening protections against voter suppression.
Youth Justice & Juvenile Protection
- Reforming policies that automatically charge youth in adult court and promoting developmentally appropriate justice practices.
- Protecting children in detention from exposure to incarcerated adults and improving juvenile confinement safeguards.
Immigrant & Community Safety Protections
- Limiting local participation in federal immigration enforcement agreements that undermine community trust and public safety.
Human Rights & Ethical Investment
- Supporting resolutions condemning violence and violations of international law.
- Advancing efforts to ensure public pension investments align with human rights standards.
- Supporting measures that prevent state resources from supporting human rights violations abroad.
“Maryland Muslim Lobby Day reflects the strength and civic engagement of our community,” said IMAN Steering Committee Member and Islamic Society of Baltimore President Hasan Hammad. “These issues center dignity, safety, and fairness for all Marylanders. From protecting civil rights to strengthening youth justice reform, our coalition is working to ensure policies reflect the values of equity and accountability.”
“These bills convey a broad commitment to expanding access to opportunity and ensuring Maryland policies are rooted in integrity and justice,” said IMAN Steering Committee Member and CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry.
“Our priorities respond directly to the rising threats of hate, discrimination, and political intimidation impacting many communities,” said IMAN Steering Committee Member and CAIR Maryland Advisory Board Member Dr. Samya Mohammad. “Measures like student protections and voter intimidation safeguards help ensure Maryland residents can participate in civic life safely and freely without fear of harassment or retaliation.”
“Maryland’s youth justice system must reflect modern research and common-sense public safety practices,” said IMAN Steering Committee Member and Prince George’s County Muslim Council President Jameel Johnson. “The Youth Charging Reform Act and protections for incarcerated youth recognize that young people deserve developmentally appropriate accountability, rehabilitation opportunities, and systems that prioritize long-term safety for our communities.”
“Education policies that promote cultural literacy and respectful learning environments strengthen Maryland schools for all students,” said IMAN Steering Committee Member and Islamic Center of Maryland Board Chairman Nadeem Ahmad. “Supporting standards that expand understanding of history, culture, and global perspectives helps combat ignorance, reduce bullying, and prepare students to thrive in a diverse society.”
“Our coalition supports policies that reflect Marylanders’ commitment to human rights, ethical governance, and responsible public investment,” said IMAN Steering Committee Member and Justice for All DC Outreach Director Hena Zuberi. “Whether addressing international humanitarian concerns or ensuring taxpayer funds align with community values, these priorities promote accountability and moral leadership.”
The annual Maryland Muslim Lobby Day brings together hundreds of community members from across the state to engage directly with lawmakers, advocate for equitable policies, and uplift issues impacting Muslims and other marginalized communities. Organizers encourage community members to participate and make their voices heard in the legislative process.
The Islamic Maryland Action Network (IMAN) is a statewide crisis response working group that represents over 350,000 Muslims in the state.
SEE: IMAN Network
The IMAN Network’s mission is to foster a coordinated, compassionate, and effective response to crises, uniting diverse Muslim communities across the state.
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: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com