The Chicago Activist | CAIR-Chicago

July 8, 2008 � July 22, 2008

Criminal

� A Muslim man was criminally charged after he was involved in an altercation over a traffic dispute. The Muslim man alleges that the other person made racially derogatory remarks at him. CAIR-Chicago is investigating the complaint and will address any issues of fairness that arise.

Employment

� A man was terminated from his job as lead accountant, it is believed that it was due to racism. He claims that he had better credentials than other co-workers who were not let go. The man claims that he had overheard his boss making racist jokes before his release from the firm. CAIR-Chicago will investigate to determine how to proceed appropriately.

� After a school teacher began wearing the hijab (headscarf) pursuant to her religious practice, she began receiving harassing comments from other teachers and administrators. She was eventually asked to not come back the following year due to �philosophical differences.� CAIR-Chicago is investigating the matter and will advise the woman of her options.

Government

� Four more Muslims have reported delays in their citizenship process. Some of these individuals have passed the exam and met all the necessary requirements for obtaining citizenship. However, due to a new USCIS policy, some Muslims have had their interview dates cancelled, and are experiencing delays prior to their citizenship interview. The new policy requires security checks to be completed before being able to interview for citizenship. CAIR-Chicago is incorporating these cases into the Citizenship Delay Project.

� Two more Muslims have reported delays in obtaining their green cards for permanent residency. CAIR-Chicago is aiding these individuals in determining the status of their case.

� A Muslim man contacted CAIR-Chicago to help him obtain a visa to bring his children into the United States from abroad. CAIR-Chicago is putting the man in touch with an immigration attorney that can represent him.

� Two Muslim women wearing the hijab (headscarf) went to the DMV for a replacement driver�s license. The women were both separately told by an attendant that they needed to remove their hijab in order to be photographed for their license. CAIR-Chicago is advising the women on how to best approach and resolve the issue.

� A Muslim man contacted CAIR-Chicago regarding deportation proceedings he is facing. CAIR-Chicago is putting the man in touch with an immigration attorney that can represent him.

� A Muslim man was leaving his local mosque when a sheriff�s department vehicle drove by him and someone from the vehicle yelled �terrorist� at him. The sheriff�s vehicle then followed the man in a belligerent manner until the man turned into his neighborhood. CAIR-Chicago has contacted the proper authorities regarding the matter.

Public Accommodation:

� A Middle Eastern woman was shopping with her two kids at a local store. After making a large purchase, she was approached by security guards and accused of shoplifting an approximately $2 item. The security guards also insisted to police that she be charged. CAIR-Chicago will represent the woman in the matter and will determine how to best address a discrimination claim.

Prison

� A Muslim man detained in prison reported being denied religious accommodation for his dietary restrictions. The man had requested a pork-free diet and was denied. CAIR-Chicago is pursuing the proper channels to address the denial of the inmate�s religious practices.

General

� A Muslim woman reported being treated less favorably by her condo association than other non-Muslim members. CAIR-Chicago is investigating the matter and will take whatever measures it deems appropriate to resolve the matter.