Excerpt:
The Michigan chapter of an American Islamic civil rights group raised some $150,000 Sunday toward its efforts to safeguard the rights of Muslims in the state.
The fundraising comes as Muslims face increased scrutiny and terrorism backlash, said CAIR-MI executive director Dawud Walid. At the same time, the group touted its successes in making Michigan more friendly toward Muslims.
"Since the presidential campaign season began, there has been a sharp increase in Islamophobia in the public discourse," Walid said to the crowd gathered for the 16th annual fundraising dinner.