Washington, DC, May 22–The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is proud to announce the release of its “Report on Hate Crimes and Discrimination Against Arab Americans: The Post-September 11 Backlash.” This Report spans the period of September 11, 2001 to October 11, 2002, and it can be read, downloaded, and purchased here.
This definitive 150-page Report traces hate crimes and discrimination against the Arab-American community, or those perceived to be members of the community. This Report methodically surveys the very serious problem of bias and is intended as a permanent record of the community’s experience. It is also intended as a contribution to the literature on intolerance in general. The Report systematically outlines the major challenges facing Arab Americans when dealing with other sectors of American society including individuals, corporations, news and entertainment, educational institutions, law enforcement and the government. The Report is divided into four sections which deal with legal issues, discrimination in education, media bias and defamation, and recognizing positive acts of support.
In the first nine weeks following the September 11 terrorist attacks, ADC documented over 700 violent incidents targeting Arab Americans, or those perceived to be Arab Americans. Reports of employment discrimination to ADC quadrupled compared to previous annual reports.
ADC hopes that this Report will help us develop a truly tolerant America, free of hatred and prejudice.