(Houston, Texas, 05/10/2023) – The Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights group, today announced the election of Rawan Harirah as its new board chair and president of the board of directors of CAIR-Houston. She is the first woman to hold this position. 

Harirah has been involved with CAIR-Houston for several years. She first learned about the organization when she filed a discrimination case against Schlitterbahn Water Park in Galveston for denying her access to all water slides due to her hijab. She later interned for CAIR-Houston before joining the board of directors in 2017 and serving as the Secretary before being elected board chair. 

CAIR-Houston Director William White welcomed Harirah in her new position, saying:  

“We are thrilled to have Rawan Harirah as the new board chair and president of CAIR-Houston. Rawan has been a dedicated team member for several years, and her passion for advocating for the Muslim community is truly inspiring. We also want to thank John Floyd for his dedicated service as board chair and congratulate him on his new appointment as a board member of CAIR National. With Rawan’s leadership and the support of our talented board members and staff, we are confident that we can continue to serve the Muslim community in Houston and beyond effectively.” 

In her new role, Harirah will oversee the strategic direction of CAIR-Houston and lead the organization in its mission to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. 

“I am honored and humbled to have been elected as the board chair and president of CAIR-Houston,” said Harirah. “I am committed to working tirelessly to advocate for the Muslim community’s rights and promote a better understanding of Islam in our society. With the support of my fellow board members and our dedicated staff, I am confident that we can achieve great things for our community.” 

CAIR’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. 

La mission de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, empoderar a los musulmanes americanos y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua. 

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CONTACT: CAIR-Houston William White, 713-838-2247, w-white@cair.com