In light of the warnings issued by FBI Director Robert Mueller, and concerns expressed by Vice President Dick Cheney, that the United States may face another terrorist attack, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), is releasing the following advisory statement to members of at-risk communities.
ADC regards this advisory as a prudent step given these heightened warnings from the government, but is not attempting to communicate any evaluation of those warnings. It should be emphasized that this advice applies to the 24-48 hours immediately following such an attack, and not a set of guidelines for daily life on a routine or long-term basis. ADC has developed this advisory in light of the pattern of abuse and discrimination faced by the Arab-American, Muslim and South Asian communities in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.
ADC urges everyone to exercise common sense and rely on their own best judgement, but offers these suggestions in hopes that they may be helpful to those who are not sure how best to handle such a situation, should it arise. Along with all other Americans, ADC hopes and prays that our country will remain safe and secure, but is issuing this advisory in light of government warnings about possible future attacks.