This year, CAIR-SD responded to some of the most urgent challenges facing Muslims in San Diego, from protecting students who were targeted for their beliefs to defending free speech on college campuses and empowering the next generation of Muslim leaders. Here are three ways your support made a real impact.

1. Standing With Students Against Bullying and Harassment. 

Noor (name changed for privacy), a high school student and young journalist, was suddenly thrust into a frightening situation when a faculty member began singling her out, harassing her, and creating a hostile learning environment because of her views by creating a petition to get Noor expelled from school because of her Palestinian advocacy. What should have been a safe place for learning became a source of anxiety and fear.

Her family reached out to CAIR-SD, and we stepped in immediately. Working with the district and legal guidance, we helped ensure:

• Noor received security support on campus, so she felt safe returning to class.

• The staff member responsible was removed from campus and kept away from her.

• A temporary restraining order was filed to ensure Noor’s safety off campus.

• The district took steps to ensure this individual would not be placed in another classroom where they could harm other students.

Most importantly, Noor no longer felt alone. She saw firsthand that her community would not allow an adult in power to intimidate a Muslim student into silence. Her courage, and the support behind her, turned a moment of fear into a statement of strength.

2. Defending Free Speech at San Diego Colleges

When students and faculty at San Diego City College came forward describing pressure to stay silent on Palestine, CAIR-SD got to work. Administrators had begun reinterpreting policies in a way that restricted conversations and punished students and faculty for expressing their views. The Chancellor made a declaration that “From the River to the Sea” could not be expressed on campus in any form, as an expression of art or a statement of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Many felt afraid to speak openly, unsure of whether they would face retaliation.

CAIR-SD organized, mobilized, and stood alongside more than 50 parents, students, educators, and community members who gathered to demand transparency, accountability, and respect for student rights. Our message was clear: Students deserve safe learning environments, not censorship. Free speech is a right, not something that can be taken away when it’s inconvenient.

Through advocacy, community pressure, and direct engagement with campus leadership, CAIR-SD helped prevent the quiet erosion of rights that often goes unchallenged and had the chancellor walk back the restrictions. Students were reminded that they do have a voice, and that our community will always stand with them when that voice is threatened.

3. Investing in the Next Generation of Muslim Leaders

This year, CAIR-SD expanded its work to empower youth through programs like the Muslim Youth Leadership Program (MYLP), the Muslim Gamechangers Network (MGN), and the first-ever Muslim Youth Day at the Capitol (MYDAC). These initiatives give our students the tools, confidence, and community they need to become leaders, not just in the future, but today.

Many students came home inspired to start MSAs, lead school initiatives, and advocate for their peers. By teaching youth how to navigate government, challenge injustice, and connect faith with leadership, these programs are building the next generation of Muslim changemakers, building a community of leaders that are skilled and empowered to uplift Muslim and immigrant communities. 

Support Our Work

Protecting students. Defending rights. Empowering youth.

This work only happens because of supporters like you.

As we enter Giving Tuesday and the final stretch of the year, help us continue building a safer, stronger, and more just community.

Support CAIR-SD today:
bit.ly/CAIRSDEOY25