The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today released its 2025 Year-in-Review publication, documenting a year of expanded civil rights advocacy, community engagement, and youth leadership amid extraordinary challenges facing Muslim and immigrant communities.
Throughout 2025, CAIR’s Maryland office testified in dozens of hearings, lobbied lawmakers on its legislative priorities, amplified pro-justice and anti-genocide voices during the legislative session, and expanded advocacy efforts across the state. The organization assisted community members facing repression and discrimination, defended constitutional rights and held or participated in several protests, rallies and vigils throughout the year for social justice causes.
“Our work this year reaffirmed the simple truth that real change happens when we organize with courage and purpose,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “Serving alongside allies, leaders and community members to advance our shared values, we made remarkable progress together in working for more humane and equitable policies. Despite the challenges ahead, CAIR remains more confident and determined than ever to continue fighting for a just and inclusive future.”
In 2025, the flagship satellite office of CAIR National handled over 340 civil rights complaints and requests for assistance, delivered more than 116,000 advocacy emails through community action campaigns, and held or participated in more than 50 virtual and in-person trainings and workshops across the state. The organization led or participated in more than 20 congressional meetings, and welcomed student leaders at several youth leadership initiatives.
Key highlights from 2025 include statewide campus advocacy through CAIR’s DMV Campus Tour, Muslim Lobby Day in Annapolis, Muslim Youth Day at the Capital, CAIR’s 10th annual Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium on Capitol Hill, and a landmark $100,000 settlement with the University of Maryland affirming First Amendment protections for pro-Palestinian student speech. The civil rights organization also successfully advocated for religious accommodations for Muslims in schools, workplaces and correctional facilities, and expanded partnerships with civic and faith-based organizations,
The Year in Review underscores CAIR Maryland’s focus on building long-term power by investing in youth leadership and community education, and promoting civic engagement.
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, [email protected], 410-971-6062; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]