• CAIR-MN: Increasing Number of Non-Muslims Take Part in Ramadan (Star Trib)
  "A lot of people have questions for Muslims, so Ramadan creates that platform for them to come and ask whatever is on their mind," said Lori Saroya, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
  
  • CAIR: TSA Says Don't Be Alarmed at Muslim Practices During Ramadan
• NC Governor May Veto Anti-Islam Bill
  Republican North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory announced Wednesday morning that unless significant changes were made to HB 695, a bill ostensibly created to bar Sharia law in the state but which would greatly reduce access to safe, legal abortion in North Carolina, he would veto it. 
• CAIR: House Republicans Should Live Out Their Religious Values in Immigration Debate
• Calif. Bishop Bans Anti-Muslim Hate Blogger Robert Spencer from Church Property
• Video: CAIR-MI Seeks Release of Ex-Marine Imprisoned in Iran

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Another Texas Mosque Vandalism

(HOUSTON, TX, 7/11/13) -- The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) today called on local and national law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for another act of vandalism targeting a mosque in that state.

CAIR said an official with the Victoria Islamic Center in Victoria, Texas, discovered graffiti on the front right side of the building early Wednesday. The letter "H" and the number "8," shorthand for "hate," were spray-painted on the wall.

SEE: Islamic Center Vandalized (Video)

"Due to the nature of the graffiti and past incidents in Texas and nationwide targeting mosques, we urge law enforcement authorities to determine whether the perpetrator was motivated by anti-Muslim bias," said Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-Texas's Houston chapter.

Carroll said his group, a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights organization, made a similar call for hate crime investigations after some two dozen paintballs were fired at a another Texas mosque last month.

Video: CAIR Rep Says Texas Mosque Vandalism Should Not Be Taken Lightly

Also in June, CAIR’s New Jersey chapter sought a hate crime investigation of vandalism targeting a mosque in that state.

CAIR-NJ (Video): Vandalized Islamic Center Thanks Public and Police

Vandals recently targeted other mosques in Minnesota and Georgia.

Video: CAIR Seeks Probe of Bias Motive for Minnesota Mosque Vandalism
Video: CAIR Says Ga. Mosque Vandalism May Be Tied to London Incident
Video: CAIR Asks FBI to Probe Georgia Mosque Vandalism

In May, CAIR began distributing new safety and security guidelines to mosques and other Islamic institutions nationwide.

The new CAIR publication, "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety," was produced in response to recent bias attacks, including a series of incidents last year targeting American Muslim institutions.

Community leaders may request a free copy of CAIR's "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety."

SEE: CAIR Distributes New Mosque Safety Guidelines

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.