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 THE
AMERICAN-ARAB ANTI- discrimination COMMITTEE (ADC) IS A CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATION
COMMITTED TO DEFENDING THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE OF ARAB DESCENT AND PROMOTING
THEIR RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE. ADC, which is non-sectarian, non- partisan
is the largest Arab-American grassroots organization in the United States.
It was founded in 1980 by former Senator James Abourezk and has chapters
nationwide. 
Through
its Department of Legal Services, ADC offers counseling in cases
of discrimination and defamation and selected impact litigation in the
areas of immigration.
ADC
is at the forefront combating defamation and negative stereotyping of
Arab Americans in the media and wherever else it is practiced. In doing
so, it acts as an organized framework through which Arab Americans can
channel their efforts toward unified, collective and effective advocacy;
by promoting a more balanced U.S. Middle East policy and serving as a
reliable source for the news media and educators. By promoting cultural
events and participating in community activities, ADC has made great strides
in correcting anti-Arab stereotypes and humanizing the image of the Arab
people. In all these efforts, ADC coordinates closely with other civil
rights and human rights organizations on issues of common concern.
In
its efforts to educate the public and maintain regular communication with
its members, the Media & Publications Department issues a bi-monthly
newsletter, ADC Times, Issue Papers and Special Reports, which study key
issues of defamation and discrimination; community studies, legal, media
and educational guides; and action alerts , which call on members to act
on issues necessitating grassroots response.
In
the Department of Educational Programs of ADC, the Research
Institute (ADCRI) publishes information on issues of concern to Arab
Americans and sponsors ADC's Reaching the Teachers campaign, which aims
at ensuring an accurate, objective and fair portrayal of Arab history
and culture in schools. ADCRI also administers a year-round college
internship program for Arab American students and others.
ADC's
achievements demonstrate the success of Arab Americans in  building
vibrant institutions which not only draw on the strength of the Arab American
community, but also engender the support of individuals and groups who
are equally committed to deterring discrimination against all people.
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