Minnesota Muslim Group Gets Funding For Harassment Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations has received grant money to help it deal with a growing number of harassment cases against Minnesota Muslims.

CAIR-MN says it's received more than 30 reports of intimidation, threats, bullying and harassment of Muslims since mid-November. The rising incidents have led to an increased demand for services.

CAIR-MN says the Saint Paul Foundation and F. R. Bigelow Foundation have given a total of $57,500 to help the group cover additional legal fees, outreach and other activities. The Tom and Pat Grossman Fund of the Minnesota Community Foundation has pledged up to $25,000 in a matching grant, if CAIR-MN can raise $25,000.

The grants will fund workshops and other services. CAIR-MN also works with schools and parents to ensure Muslim students feel safe.