September 19, 2012
By invitation of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, KARAMAH submitted written testimony for congressional consideration in today’s hearing titled, “Hate Crimes and the Threat of Domestic Extremism.” U.S. Senator Dick Durbin is chairing the hearing sponsored by the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights.
KARAMAH’s testimony relates the experience of the American Muslim, Arab American and South Asian communities which have collectively confronted persistent acts of religious, racial and ethnic bias and hate violence. As noted in its testimony, such acts gained momentum due to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the “war on terrorism,” and our continued military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq. Difficult economic conditions have further exasperated matters as have the following three contributing factors:
1. The proliferation of bias/Islamophobic law enforcement and military trainings which lend official credence to anti-Muslim hate;
2. Religious, racial and ethnic profiling by state and federal law enforcement agencies thus rendering the subject minority groups as criminally suspect; and
3. Irresponsible political rhetoric by elected officials and aspiring candidates which creates fertile ground for hate violence.
In concluding, KARAMAH makes several key recommendations which can be viewed here.
Contact Engy Abdelkader for additional information: 202.234.7302
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