(WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/6/23) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce to stop ignoring and downplaying anti-Muslim bigotry and anti-Palestinian racism after some committee members dismissed the seriousness of such bigotry during a hearing on antisemitism.
CAIR also publicly released a letter it sent to the committee in advance of the hearing that called on committee members to address several highlighted Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian bias incidents that have occurred on college campuses and schools nationwide, in addition to antisemitic incidents.
SEE: CAIR STATEMENT
During the hearing, Committee Chair Virginia Foxx failed to discuss or raise concerns about Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian racism incidents on college campuses. Not only was there no discussion of the challenges faced by Muslim students, but Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) completely undermined the urgency and importance of the prevalence of islamophobia in the country.
Rep. Good stated that “it is wrong to suggest islamophobia and antisemitism are equivalent problems in this country.”
In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Department Coordinator Shafiquil Muhshna said
“By downplaying the severity of Islamophobia and implying that it is somehow a lesser issue compared to antisemitism, the statement by Representative Good marginalizes and dismisses the very real challenges faced by Muslim students. Such rhetoric not only fails to acknowledge the breadth and impact of Islamophobia but also perpetuates an unequal hierarchy of discrimination.
“Such remarks not only perpetuate a harmful narrative but also contribute to the marginalization of Muslim communities. It is imperative to hold public figures accountable for statements that may perpetuate bias or contribute to an unequal portrayal of different forms of discrimination.
“The failure to address growing Islamophobia underscores a broader need for a more inclusive and nuanced conversation about the safety and well-being of all students, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
“The fact that Islamophobia was downplayed by a member of Congress is a direct example of political Islamophobia.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-999-8292, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com