Local Muslims say they're trying to do more to educate people about their faith following recent attacks by extremists and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's call to block Muslims from entering the United States.
The Rhode Island Council for Muslim Advancement asked local religious and community leaders to speak out to show their support for the state's Muslim community.
The council is hosting an event with them Tuesday in Providence.
The council's president, Imam Farid Ansari, says mosques are also going to host open houses to counter misinformation being spread about Islam. The first one is Saturday in Providence.
The executive minister of the Rhode Island Council of Churches says local religious leaders are united with their Muslim brothers and sisters and condemn any acts of discrimination toward them.
M. Saud Anwar, co-chairman of the American Muslim Peace Initiative, says there have been instances in Connecticut of Muslims being harassed. Some women and girls fear wearing Muslim garb in public.
In November, multiple shots were fired at a Meriden mosque.
Anwar said his group and the Anti-Defamation League are working with the Connecticut Association of Schools to help teachers better understand Islam and prevent harassment of students.
Republican Sen. Len Fasano attended Monday's event at the state Capitol. He rejected presidential candidate Donald Trump's proposed ban on Muslims, saying "that's not what America is about."
There are about 40 mosques in Connecticut.
