ADC Denounces Islamophobia - Calls for National Unity

Washington, DC | www.adc.org | August 23, 2010 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) denounces the hateful and Islamophobic rhetoric over the course of the past few weeks which is aimed in particular at the proposed Park51 Community Center in Lower Manhattan and the Muslim faith in general.   The Community Center will feature recreational programs and services for all community members regardless of religious affiliation or faith – in fact, an interfaith Center.  The Center does have a prayer room, yet this alone does not define the true character of the building.  Islamophobic elements opposing the Center have wrongly branded it as a “mosque at ground zero,” and used their hateful rhetoric to preempt the construction of the much-needed facility.  The facts are that the Center is NOT at “ground zero;” and, in any event, even if it were, we must not forget that many Muslims were also victims (as passengers on the planes, workers at the World Trade Center, and first responders) of  9/11.  Muslims in the United States have been further victimized by simply being of the Islamic faith, an un-American and shameful tactic that fans the flames of hatred, ignorance, and bigotry.

As the New York City Mayor, the Honorable Michael Bloomberg, said, “We would betray our values and play into our enemies’ hands if we were to treat Muslims differently than anyone else.”   As Americans, we should not allow misinformation and hatred to deprive private citizens of the right to build a house of worship or a community center on private property.  ADC adds that in the face of the ongoing misinformation and hateful campaigns, silence is not an option.    

ADC, a non-sectarian and non-partisan civil rights and civil liberties organization, is comprised of members that practice all faiths -- including Islam, Judaism and Christianity.  The Constitution has enumerated rights for all citizens of this great Nation, and religious neutrality has inspired the free exercise of every religion.  The basic fundamental rights granted by the First Amendment apply to all Americans, regardless of race, religion or national origin.  Denying an individual his or her right to practice religion is not only unconstitutional, but also un-American.  Denying the development of the Park51 Community Center is the type of activity the founding fathers of this Nation hoped would not occur after the ratification of the Bill of Rights and the First Amendment, as such rights extend to developers and owners of the Park51 Community Center in lower Manhattan.   

The use of hate tactics is not limited to the Park51 development plan.  Over the course of the past year there has been a substantial increase in the number of political candidates using Islamophobic tactics in an effort to leverage votes, and use such tactics as a platform to enhance their political visibility.  Such hate-filled strategies once identified African Americans, Jewish Americans, and other communities as scapegoats to further political aims.   Such political demagoguery, plain and simple, is nothing short of racist, xenophobic, and unacceptable; and it is counterproductive to American values and Constitutional rights.       

The sad reality is that currently the only form of permissible racism and prejudice is that targeting Arabs and Muslims.  Many campaigns are vilifying Muslim and Arab Americans.  ADC asks that all national and local community organizations speak up against such hateful and ardent discrimination, and not partake in actions that are aimed at dividing us internally as a Nation.  

We as Americans are at a moment in history where unity and tolerance is needed now more than ever.  The economic status has left millions in this nation living below poverty guidelines, and many of them homeless.  Cities in the Midwest, such as Detroit, have experienced the closing down of factories, schools and learning institutions.  Some cities have unemployment rates exceeding 20% while other cities cannot afford to offer basic governmental services, such as collecting trash, providing transportation, and maintaining public property.  Economic crisis compels our Nation to galvanize and work collaboratively toward a common goal, instead of turning against one another.

It is those economic issues that affect millions of Americans and have a direct impact on their lives.  The politicization of issues such as the Park51 Community Center, and the vilification of Muslim and Arab Americans, are not in the best interest of our Country; on the contrary, they are inimical to our Nation’s domestic and international standings. We believe that as a Nation we should and must domestically invest our energy on the “war on drugs,” and on a sustained effort to create jobs and improve our economy.    

Racism and prejudice, in whatever form, cannot be tolerated.  The United States is built upon its people’s rich diversity and multiculturalism, and Islam has long been a part of that American social mosaic.  Therefore, Islamophobia must be wholly rejected and opposed.  Americans, of all faiths and backgrounds, should be free to practice their faith without fear and prejudice, as safeguarded by the First Amendment, and devoid of political demagoguery.