The Council on American Islamic Relations offers legal help for Muslims who have been attacked or threatened and right now, they’re trying to handle an influx of cases they’ve seen since the Presidential election.
In order to do provide the best service and maximize results, they’re hoping to hire a staff attorney.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Miriam Amer, executive director, said. “I used to be able to handle everything myself, I’d have two or three cases a month and it’s totally exploded.”
The organization is asking the community to donate $50,000 to an in-house, part-time attorney.
“I think $50,000 is a lot to ask and we’ve gained a little bit not very much and I really need people to understand that this is a necessity for us,” Amer said.
The money would pay for the attorney’s salary for the first year, but would also give CAIR-Iowa a leg to stand on to investigate and prosecute wrongdoing.
“We have constitutional rights, everyone has them,” Amer said. “There are a lot of people out there who will stand up and fight for those rights.”
The organization doesn’t charge for its services, so Amer said they’re relying on the generosity of the community.
To donate, click on this Facebook link or visit the CAIRwebsite.
You can also mail donations to:
COUNCIL ON AMERICAN ISLAMIC RELATIONS IOWA CHAPTER
5001 First Ave. SE, #195
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402