July 7, 2005 — In light of the bombings that took place in the public transportation system in London, England, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is releasing the following advisory statement to members of the Arab-American and Muslim-American communities. This statement may also be applicable to members of the Muslim and Arab-British communities. ADC feels it prudent to issue this advisory statement due to historically documented hate-motivated attacks and acts of unlawful discrimination following similar terrorist attacks.
ADC would like to emphasize that it is issuing this advisory based on experiences in the community in recent years, and purely as a precautionary measure. ADC presents these suggestions for the consideration of the Arab-American and Muslim communities, in addition to the Muslim and Arab-British communities, to be evaluated by each family and individual according to their own best judgment and in the context of their own situation and relationship with their local community. ADC urges everyone to exercise common sense and rely on their own best judgment, but offers the following as suggestions should the need arise:
1) IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS PLACED IN PHYSICAL DANGER BECAUSE OF YOUR ETHNICITY, RELIGION, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN:
- Call the police (dial 911 in most communities in the US).
- Contact the local FBI office, a list of FBI field offices is included on our website, please see the FBI Field Office Listing by City.
Remember, it is the FBI’s job to investigate hate-motivated crimes and specific threats of violence.
- If the threat is imminent, go to a safe location such as a police station or church.
- If you feel threatened in your home or community, move to a friend’s house, or a hotel for as long as necessary.
- Contact ADC to file a complaint by emailing the ADC Legal Department at legal@adc.org or by calling (202) 244-2990.
2) IF YOUR PLACE OF WORK, PLACE OF WORSHIP, OR SCHOOL IS IDENTIFIED WITH ARABS AND/OR MUSLIMS:
- Make sure the location has an open line of communication with law enforcement.
- Make sure you know all the exits to your building.
- Make sure the location has a current emergency plan that is defined and can be implemented should the need arise.
3) IF YOUR CHILD CAN BE IDENTIFIED AS ARAB OR MUSLIM, OR MAY BE CONFUSED FOR BEING OF MIDDLE-EASTERN ORIGIN:
- Make sure you discuss the events with your children and that they feel comfortable speaking with an adult if they face harassment by others
- Make sure your children know what steps to take to avoid confrontation with other students.
- Work with your children’s school to implement an anti-discriminatory policy.
ADC would like to emphasize that it is issuing this advisory based on experiences in the community in recent years, and purely as a precautionary measure. ADC presents these suggestions for the consideration of the Arab-American and Muslim communities, in addition to the Muslim and Arab-British communities, to be evaluated by each family and individual according to their own best judgment and in the context of their own situation and relationship with their local community.
FBI Field Office Listing by City