CAIR Releases Toolkit to Challenge Anti-Muslim Bias in Hearings
New website also launched to gather data on Muslim efforts to prevent extremism, work with law enforcement
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today released an online toolkit designed to help leaders and members of the American Muslim community challenge potential anti-Muslim bias in hearings on "radicalization" announced by U.S. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (R-NY).
To read the entire toolkit, go to:
CAIR also launched a new website, called "Capturing the Facts," to solicit testimonials on community efforts to prevent violent extremism and examples of positive interactions between American Muslims and law enforcement agencies.
SEE: Capturing the Facts
http://www.capturingthefacts.com/
Muslims say Rep. King has a long history of troubling rhetoric and baseless claims about their community, which raise reasonable concerns about the form his hearings may take.
In 2004, Rep. King said "85 percent" of American Muslim community leaders are "an enemy living amongst us." He has recently said he will "stand by" the 85 percent number. In 2007, Rep. King said "we have too many mosques in this country." In early 2010, he implied that American Muslims are not true "Americans."
Rep. King's planned hearings are opposed by a number of individuals and organizations of different faiths.
SEE: Letter from Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) to Rep. King
Letter from 51 Groups Seeking Objective Hearings on Muslim 'Radicalization'
CAIR's online toolkit, called "Teachable Moment Community Response Guide: Guidance for Local Communities to Respond to Possibly Biased Congressional Hearings on 'Radicalization' in the American Muslim Community," includes background information on Rep. King's anti-Muslim rhetoric, recommended community actions such as contacting committee members or writing letters to the editor, expert resources on the American Muslim community, and advice on how Islam's Prophet Muhammad dealt with defamation.
An introduction to the toolkit by CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad states:
"CAIR's policy of constitutionally-informed cooperation with law enforcement is reflected in our simple advice for Americans: 'If you know of any criminal activity taking place in your community, it is both your religious and civic duty to immediately report such activity to local and federal law enforcement agencies' and 'Under the law, you have the legal right to have a lawyer present when speaking with federal law enforcement agencies.' If Rep. King has a problem with that advice, his issue is with America's constitutional and legal protections, not with American Muslims."
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its 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.
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CONTACT: CAIR Legislative Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]
SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations
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