EXCERPT.
Effective public safety requires trust, transparency, accountability and partnership. Public safety must consistently include Muslim communities who deserve dedicated protection from possible threats. Let’s also recognize contradictions in our history of surveillance and intelligence-gathering programs targeting Muslims in the post-9/11 era.
A new study from UC San Diego’s U.S. Immigration Policy Center surveyed 312 local Muslim San Diegans, with 88% saying they feel less safe since last month’s shooting. How long will families have to live on the edge of fear to remain on constant alert simply to worship, learn and gather in peace? How many more threats before our concerns are treated with the urgency they deserve?
Hate should never have the final word. The victims of May 18 deserve more than our remembrance. A resolute commitment to society-building where all are treated with acknowledgement, dignity and respect must become our future. It awaits us and we will build it together.
Nizam is the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations — CAIR San Diego and lives in North County.