Historic vote affirms San Diego’s Muslim community, recognizes rising concerns about anti-Muslim hate, and marks a precedent with a step forward for religious freedom and belonging.
The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) today welcomed the city council’s unanimous adoption of a resolution establishing a working definition of Islamophobia as an educational tool to help the City recognize, address, and prevent anti-Muslim hate.
CAIR-San Diego said the unanimous vote represents an important moment of recognition and affirmation. The resolution comes as Muslim families and institutions continue to experience heightened concerns about safety following the May 18 attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego and amid ongoing reports of discrimination, harassment, threats, and anti-Muslim hate.
The City’s agenda materials cite research from UC San Diego showing that 88% of surveyed Muslims in San Diego County reported feeling less safe in their community, 74% reported increased concern for their personal safety because they are Muslim, and nearly two-thirds reported experiencing discrimination because of their Muslim identity.
“This vote tells our community that we are being heard,” said Tazheen Nizam, Executive Director of CAIR-San Diego. “At a time when rising reports of hate and discrimination have left many Muslim families feeling unsafe, today’s unanimous vote is a meaningful step in the right direction. It shows that the city recognizes our concerns about safety and is willing to stand with our community.”
According to CAIR-San Diego and community partners, the resolution is believed to be the first of its kind in San Diego, the first in California, and the third of its kind nationally to adopt a working definition of Islamophobia specifically as an educational tool for addressing anti-Muslim hate.
The vote followed significant public participation, with 65 members of the public speaking in support of the resolution and one opposing comment submitted online, along with additional written and online comments and letters of support from community organizations.
CAIR-San Diego extends its deepest appreciation to everyone who participated in the public process, those who came to City Hall, spoke before the Council, submitted comments online, sent letters, and allies who stood with the Muslim community.
“We are especially grateful to the Muslim Leadership Council of San Diego for its support and leadership, and to our many partners who showed up for this important moment,” Nizam said. “We thank Clergy from San Diego Organizing Project, members of the Jewish community, Muslim community leaders and residents, UWEAST, PANA, SEIU, and the many other organizations and allies who stood with us, spoke at our 1 p.m. press conference, and participated in the Council process.”
CAIR-San Diego also expresses appreciation to Council President Joe LaCava and Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera for bringing forward the resolution, and to the full City Council for its unanimous vote.
Councilmember Elo-Rivera also encouraged the city to continue working with the Muslim community and community partners to address ongoing concerns and combat anti-Muslim hate so that Muslim students, families, and residents can experience a genuine sense of safety and belonging in San Diego.
The Work Doesn’t Stop Here: CAIR-San Diego and community partners will continue working with the city to combat anti-Muslim hate in all areas of life and to encourage continued investment in identifying and dismantling Islamophobia and anti-Muslim discrimination.
The resolution provides an important framework. The next step is ensuring that framework is reflected in education, community safety, institutional practices, partnerships, and meaningful engagement with Muslim residents.
“We can build a San Diego where Muslim families can worship without fear, where Muslim children feel safe at school, and where every resident knows that their city will stand with them when they are targeted because of who they are,” Nizam said.
“Today, our community feels heard. We are grateful for that. And we look forward to continuing this work together.”
CAIR-San Diego thanks the San Diego City Council, the Muslim Leadership Council of San Diego, our interfaith and civil rights partners, community organizations, and every San Diegan who raised their voice in support of a safer and more inclusive San Diego.
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END
CONTACT: CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, [email protected], 760-201-7626