In light of the horrific acts of violence committed in Saudi Arabia by a group of fanatical extremists, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is releasing the following advisory statement to members of the Arab-American and Muslim-American communities. ADC feels it prudent to issue this advisory statement as we have confirmed reports of anti-Muslim acts of vandalism in Florida and hate-filled messages posted in New Jersey and other states this past weekend.
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, 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)
- Contact the local FBI office, a list of FBI field offices is included on our website, please see: https://www.adc.org/index.php?id=2233 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. Click here for advice on speaking to your children about the situation in Iraq.
- 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, 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.