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Issue 6: July 5, 2023
A monthly spotlight on major developments from MPAC’s Policy Bureau
THIS MONTH IN DC – A Call for Accountability: Redefining the US-India Relationship ([link removed]) , MPAC Deeply Concerned Over SCOTUS Affirmative Action Ruling ([link removed]) , Navigating Between Free Speech and Hate on the Internet ([link removed]) , MPAC Participates in Faith-Based Security Advisory Council ([link removed]) , MPAC Welcomes the Confirmation of Dilawar Syed ([link removed]) , MPAC Supports Rep. Carson's Eid al-Adha Bill ([link removed]) , MPAC Congratulates Judge
Nusrat Choudhury's Historic Confirmation ([link removed])
** A Call for Accountability: Redefining the US-India Relationship on the Basis of Human Rights
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In May, Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India — once proudly a pluralistic nation that now finds itself ethnically and religiously torn — was invited ([link removed]) by President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy for an Official State Visit to “celebrate ([link removed]) the enduring friendship and speak to the global challenges our countries both face.” The official visit included a State Dinner with the President and First Lady and an invitation to address the U.S.
Congress. While this bilateral engagement was intended to honor the U.S. and India’s alliance, the focus however, should have been on the erosion of democracy and human rights in India.
Read our full article here ([link removed]) .
** Statement: MPAC Deeply Concerned Over Supreme Court Affirmative Action Ruling:
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After decades of progress, the Court has decided to reverse precedent and further enable existing racial inequality. MPAC is deeply concerned by the United States Supreme Court decision ruling that determining higher education admissions based on race is unconstitutional.
MPAC believes this decision will inevitably deal a blow to the fight for racial justice, backsliding progress for universities in their attempt to diversify their student body.
Maintaining existing racial disparities under the guise of equality and retreating to a colorblind conception of our Constitution does not uphold equality or promote diversity; rather, it furthers the existing gaps of disparity.
Read our full statement here ([link removed]) .
** Democracy Forum: Navigating Between Free Speech and Hate on the Internet:
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On Monday, June 26th, MPAC hosted a panel discussion on Navigating Between Free Speech and Hate: Regulating Social Media, as part of our Democracy Forum series.
For this much-needed dialogue, we convened a panel of experts for a discussion on how to navigate the complex path between upholding the right to free speech and safeguarding our civil liberties all while countering the proliferation of conspiracy theories, the amplification of violent content, hate speech, and disinformation campaigns.
Read our full recap here ([link removed]) .
** MPAC Participates in Faith-Based Security Advisory Council to DHS:
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"Historically, the DHS has had a tumultuous relationship with religious and racial minorities. That is why it is crucial to rebuild trust and reshape how DHS and government officials engage with marginalized communities if we as a nation want to move forward on building partnerships."
MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati, alongside a group of faith-based leaders, briefed the Faith-Based Security Advisory Council at a meeting with the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Deputy Secretary John Tien, to evaluate the current effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) programs for faith-based communities and identify how the DHS can improve its relationship with marginalized faith groups and provide redress for victimized individuals and communities.
Read our full press release here ([link removed]) .
Read our complete recommendation report here ([link removed]) .
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** MPAC Welcomes the Confirmation of Dilawar Syed for SBA Administrator:
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On June 8, Dilawar Syed became the highest-ranking American Muslim in the Biden Administration.
After almost two years of delays, Dilawar Syed is now the Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Throughout his career, Syed has demonstrated a commitment to service, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. Despite being well-qualified for this position, Syed faced opposition to his nomination due to bigotry and Islamophobia.
Read our full statement here ([link removed]) .
** MPAC Joins Rep. Carson in Support of Eid al-Adha Recognition Bill:
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"Eid al-Adha is an inspiring occasion for my community to reflect on the importance of sacrifice, freedom, and justice – the same values that all Americans hold dear." - Congressman André Carson
In support of Congressman André Carson (IN-07) and House Resolution 556, MPAC signed on to endorse the re-introduction of the resolution – Recognizing the Significance of Eid al-Adha and Wishing Muslim Americans and Muslims Around the World A Prosperous Holiday. This endorsement aligns with our commitment to promoting understanding and inclusivity, and fighting against bigotry and discrimination.
Read the full bill text here. ([link removed])
** MPAC Congratulates Honorable Judge Nusrat Jahan Choudhury for Historic Confirmation:
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On Thursday, June 15th, another milestone in American history was reached: Nusrat Jahan Choudhury was confirmed by the Senate as the first Muslim woman to serve as a United States federal judge.
Choudhury is not only the first Muslim woman, but also the first person of Bangladeshi descent to receive this honor. MPAC welcomes and stands with Choudhury and her position as a life-tenured federal judge during this emphatically proud moment for the American Muslim community.
Read our full statement here. ([link removed])
** Upcoming Events
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2023 MPAC Convention and Media Awards:
Mark your calendars! On November 11, 2023, join us at our annual Convention for a fireside chat and book signing with award-winning journalist Mehdi Hasan.
Hasan is host of ‘The Mehdi Hasan Show’ on MSNBC and Peacock, and author of the 2023 New York Times bestseller, ‘Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking.’
Tickets on sale soon. Get notified here ([link removed]) .
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