The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today expressed its deep disappointment that Adeel Mangi will not advance in the nomination process for a seat on the U.S. Circuit Court.
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Mangi, a highly respected attorney and legal expert, faced pointed and unfounded questions about his faith, political views, and supposed affiliations during his testimonies before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“We are deeply disappointed by the outcome and the unfair treatment that Adeel Mangi faced during his confirmation process,” said CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut. “Mangi is a highly qualified attorney with a long record of legal excellence and public service. His nomination was an opportunity to increase diversity on the federal bench, and yet his credentials were overshadowed by partisan and discriminatory attacks aimed at his religion and personal views. This is not only a setback for Mangi but for the principle of fairness in the judicial confirmation process.”
Mangi was nominated by President Joe Biden a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, which encompasses New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the Virgin Islands. However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer noted Mangi didn’t have the votes to get confirmed. Mangi would have been the first Muslim American to sit on a federal appeals court.
Republican Senators targeted Mangi with bigoted questions regarding his stance on terrorism, antisemitism, and his views on the ongoing Palestinian genocide and the tragic events of September 11. These lines of questioning sought to undermine his nomination not based on his qualifications, but by attempting to tie him to controversial political issues and paint him as sympathetic to extremism due to his Muslim identity.
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While CAIR-NJ recognizes the importance of rigorous vetting processes, we strongly assert that questioning based on religion or ethnicity crosses a line into discrimination. Muslims, like all Americans, are entitled to serve their country without fear of being singled out or subjected to suspicion because of their faith.
To that end, CAIR-NJ calls on the Senate Judiciary Committee to uphold the principles of justice and fairness in all confirmation hearings, ensuring that individuals are evaluated based on their qualifications and character, rather than their religion or ethnicity. We also urge lawmakers to publicly denounce Islamophobic rhetoric and actions, and work to foster a climate of respect and inclusivity in all areas of public service.
CAIR’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Selaedin Maksut, smaksut@cair.com, 908-267-3119