CAIR Michigan issues security toolkit for mosques and Islamic schools

DETROIT (MNTV) — The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has released a safety toolkit for mosques and Islamic schools, citing rising anti-Muslim threats across the United States.

Developed by CAIR Michigan’s Safe Spaces Department in consultation with local law enforcement, the toolkit is meant to help Muslim institutions identify security weaknesses, strengthen emergency preparedness, and build relationships with police before a crisis. 

It cites threats ranging from vandalism to violent attacks, including the deadly May assault on an Islamic center in San Diego. 

The guide opens with a self-assessment covering four areas — physical security, personnel and responsibilities, community relationships, and emergency plans — then offers response guidance for suspicious behavior, threats, and active-assailant incidents.

Safe Spaces director Soobia Kidwai said the aim is to give institutions a practical framework for judging whether they are prepared, stressing that readiness depends on whether staff and volunteers understand their roles.

CAIR Michigan is also urging institutions to request facility safety assessments from local police, treating cooperation with authorities as central to its approach. 

Its effectiveness, Kidwai said, should be measured by improved preparedness rather than how many groups receive the toolkit — meaningful protection depending on sustained training, coordination, and credible police relationships.