With the heighten racial and religious tensions in this country, the Columbus City Council passed a resolution to not only start the dialogue to end discrimination but also put it in action.
On Monday, members passed a resolution condemning Islamophobia and declaring support for the city’s Islamic community.
“We’re like a big jigsaw puzzle, and every piece is different, every community is different,” added Councilwoman Elizabeth C. Brown. “And we fit together in a beautiful way that creates a full picture of a strong community.”
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In the past year, reports of discrimination have gone up towards Muslims nationally. In Ohio, there have been recent reports of discrimination in renting apartments to Muslims, driving on the interstate, public places and more. The Council on American-Islamic Relations is currently handling more than 60 cases of discrimination.
“It is stunning because we have not heard this before,” Romin Iqbal of the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said.
Imran Malik, executive president of the Noor Islamic Cultural Center in Hilliard said Columbus could serve as a model for the rest of the country.
“We all have to work and focus on faith in action,” he said. “Faith in words has been old school. I think we have to take it to the next level and work our convictions to actions.
“Together we can make a difference, not only here in Columbus, Ohio, but also nationwide.”
