ADC thanks all of its members and other activists who responded with so many eloquent, principled, and moving letters to the CWLA.
The Executive Director of the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), David S. Liederman, has formally apologized to the Arab American community for bigoted remarks made by Mr. Matt Cooper of Newsweek at a charity event hosted by the CWLA. Mr. Liederman sent the following letter, dated Dec. 14, 1998, to ADC President Hala Maksoud:
Dear Dr. Maksoud,
Thank you for your letter of December 9, 1998, regarding the comedy event held several weeks ago at the Improv Comedy Club to benefit the important work of the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA). CWLA annually helps over 3 million abused and neglected children of all backgrounds in the United States. As I’m sure you understand, CWLA is the charity for this event and does not screen participants’ remarks nor exert editorials control over the content of the program. We do sincerely apologize, though, to you and any other members of the Arab-American community who may have been offended by any remarks that were made during the evening. We’re terribly sorry, and we thank you again for bringing your concerns to our attention.
Sincerely,
David S. Liederman
Executive Director, CWLA
ADC is pleased that the CWLA has recognized the harm and offense caused by Mr. Cooper’s anti-Arab “jokes.” ADC hopes that this affair serves to increase awareness of and sensitivity to the problem of anti-Arab bigotry in our country.
ADC thanks all of its members and other activists who responded with so many eloquent, principled, and moving letters to the CWLA.