The New Jersey chapter of the country’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, reports a 46% increase in bias and discrimination complaints in 2022. However, in its 2023 annual civil rights report, CAIR-NJ also notes that the organization increased the chapter’s capacity, adding staff and engaging in more outreach to the community.  

In 2022, 152 discrimination cases were filed with CAIR-NJ, with employment-related cases making up the largest number. Some 34 employment cases, 27 school discrimination cases, 18 hate/bias cases and 15 law enforcement/travel cases were filed last year. The report noted that, unlike other years, there was an increase in Hindutva-related incidents, especially in Edison and Woodbridge. 

“Over the years, as modern narratives of American Muslims took on an inaccurate and even anti-Muslim approach, it has become increasingly important and even necessary that Muslims be the primary authors and documenters of their own stories and histories. The primary mission of our work here at CAIR-NJ is to do just that: to record and tell the Muslim story in New Jersey with the nuance that such a diverse and layered community demands,” said communications manager Dina Sayedahmed.