ADC Michigan Regrets Congressman Peter King’s Congressional Hearings on the “radicalization” of Muslim Americans
Congressional hearings scheduled for today, Wednesday, March 10, by Congressman Peter King (R-NY), chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, to investigate the “radicalization” of Muslim Americans coincides with BRIDGES periodic meeting in Michigan hosting Ms. Beth Gibson, Assistant Deputy Director of ICE of the Department of Homeland Security Department.
Since it’s inception in 2001 in the aftermath the national tragedy of September 11, Building Respect In Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity, “Bridges”, has been and continues to be a true model of cooperation and constructive engagement between representatives of the Arab- and Muslim-American communities and the law enforcement agencies of our Government including the US Attorney Offices in Michigan and with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Homeland Security.
Over the past ten years, BRIDGES has served as a forum for dialogue meeting monthly to address issues of common interest and common concern to help advance trust and cooperation between both.
The Congressman recently stated that “We are under siege by Muslim terrorists and yet there are Muslim leaders in this country that do not cooperate with law enforcement.” ADC is deeply concerned that the focus of the hearings will further underscore the false notion that American Muslim organizations and its leaders are not cooperating with the U.S. Government in its counterterrorism efforts.
These allegations are not only false but are also a deliberate attempt to further cast doubt on the loyalty of millions of Americans who put this country first. To target an entire community due to ideologies and acts of terror by a comparative few is unfair and, in itself, un-American.
ADC is concerned that the committee singles out American Muslims; and, that the committee’s goals and objectives will only lead to greater misunderstanding, intolerance, and discrimination. Congressional hearings must ensure that fundamental First Amendment rights such as Freedom of religion, speech, and association are not diminished but are ensured. Radicalization and extremism is a challenge facing our society and the world and not limited to a specific faith, religion, race or nationality.
Being faced with a common challenge in protecting our nation and it’s security such, and our efforts to do so, must be as transparent, balanced and comprehensive as possible. We do not need more division or false and general labeling.
Congressman King should highlight the positive working relationships between
Arab-American Community and law enforcement, otherwise, these hearings serving only to promote the myth that American Muslims are disloyal.
Attorney and ADC Michigan Advisory Board member, Ali Hammoud states that, “Congressman King is basically telling the Muslim Community that all our efforts in combating elements of radical Islam are not enough, that all our cooperation with law enforcement officials are not enough, maybe Mr. King needs to appear at today’s BRIDGES meeting and see first hand what ADC and law enforcement have formed for the past 10 years.”
Imad Hamad, ADC Senior National Advisor and Regional Director, said King is sending the wrong message, “This brings back the shadow of suspicion and furthers the stereotype that Arab-Americans and Muslims are terrorists,” Hamad said. “The priorities of safety & security are our common responsibility as a people and a government. Being one sided does not help advance the need trust that we build over the years of collective work with our government partners,” continued Mr. Hamad.