[link removed]

Issue 7: August 2, 2023

A monthly spotlight on major developments from MPAC’s Policy Bureau

THIS MONTH IN DC – The Quran Cannot Be Burned ([link removed]) , MPAC Calls on Congress to Affirm its Commitment to Palestinian Human Rights ([link removed]) , Hearing Our Concerns ([link removed]) , Setting the Record Straight: Deconstructing Affirmative Action ([link removed]) ,[link removed] Supports Rep. Carson's Muhammad Ali Gold Medal Act ([link removed]) , AAMIC Condemns Florida African American History Standards ([link removed]) , Observing Ashura ([link removed])


** Statement: The Quran Cannot Be Burned:
------------------------------------------------------------


**
------------------------------------------------------------

"The Quran is not burnable because it is Zikr – a thing to be mentioned. It is a sacred tablet in the custody of God. What they are burning is merely ink and paper. Hence we look to these malicious and hateful acts with discord. We should not honor it with any strong reaction."

The desecration of the Quran in Stockholm, Sweden has given way to a strong reaction from the global Muslim community. As the responses to the Quran burning continue, we must stand together as a community and condemn these acts of violence through dialogue, discourse, and advocacy.

Read our full statement here ([link removed]) .


**
Statement: MPAC Calls on Congress to Affirm its Commitment to Palestinian Human Rights:
------------------------------------------------------------

By invitation of the U.S. Congress, Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed a joint meeting of Congress last month. The decision to host President Herzog, given the ongoing human rights violations committed by the Israeli government against the Palestinian people, sends a distressing message that undermines the pursuit of peace, justice, and human rights in the Middle East, consequently exacerbating anti-American sentiment in the region and worldwide.

Read our full statement here ([link removed]) .


** Hearing Our Concerns:
------------------------------------------------------------

"We have received credible information that acknowledges the U.S. as the largest global exporter ([link removed]) of hate ideology."

Over the last few weeks, The House Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees held hearings on the threat of white supremacy and the need to protect international religious freedoms — both issues that MPAC’s Policy Bureau has long been recognized for its leadership. The hearings provided an opportunity to highlight our past work and offer guidance on how to navigate these important issues while ensuring they are addressed with the urgency they demand.

Read our full update here ([link removed]) .


**
Setting the Record Straight: Deconstructing Affirmative Action:
------------------------------------------------------------

"Affirmative action is not reverse discrimination… In order for there to be reverse discrimination there needs to be two things: prejudice plus power. What happened [in the Supreme Court] was a victory for white supremacy."
- Dr. Dwayne Kwaysee Wright, J.D., Ph.D., George Washington University

Wednesday, July 26th, CLDP fellows and MPAC interns led an in-depth discussion on the recent Supreme Court ruling, its impact on Affirmative Action, and the next steps in safeguarding equal access to education for all.

Watch our full panel here ([link removed]) .
Read our previous statement here ([link removed]) .


**
AMEAON Retreat and Convening:
------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, July 15th, MPAC was proud to join the Muslim Civic Coalition, Emgage, and America Indivisible in hosting the first American Muslim Elected Appointed Officials Network (AMEAON) Retreat and Convening in Chicago. Nearly 100 elected and appointed American Muslim officials joined us from across the country. This groundbreaking event provided a platform for crucial discussions on topics from foreign policy to mental health awareness. By facilitating these conversations, AMEAON remains steadfast in its mission of fostering civic engagement and promoting equitable representation at all levels of government, while also inspiring the next generation of American Muslim leaders.

Find more information about AMEAON here ([link removed]) .


**
VP Harris Hosts First Eid Celebration at Residence:
------------------------------------------------------------

In collaboration with the El-Hibri Foundation, Vice President Kamala Harris hosted an Eid al-Adha celebration at her residence that showcased the growing representation of Muslims in leadership, and the diversity within our communities. As we gathered to celebrate, we also acknowledged the challenges of hate and discrimination that continue to impact many faith communities.

As MPAC continues its mission to create a positive and inclusive narrative of American Muslims, we are encouraged to see the shared commitment of other faith-based organizations, and the Biden-Harris Administration, in fighting against all forms of hate and working towards a future that celebrates Americans of all backgrounds.


**
MPAC Joins Rep. Carson in Support of the Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act:
------------------------------------------------------------

MPAC signed on in support of Congressman André Carson (IN-07) and the introduction of House Resolution 709 — The Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act — which would posthumously award a Congressional gold medal to Muhammad Ali, one of the most celebrated athletes and humanitarians to date, in recognition of his contributions to the United States.

Read the full bill text here ([link removed]) .


** In Case You Missed It:
------------------------------------------------------------


** AAMIC: Florida’s Anti-Woke Rhetoric and Curriculum Revisions are an Anti-Black Joke
------------------------------------------------------------

"All students, regardless of race, deserve a curriculum that not only explains the ways in which American businesses benefited from the enslavement of Africans, but also showcases the truth of the horrors of slavery to ensure history is never repeated."

The Florida State Board of Education recently released the African American History Standards for the upcoming school year – a controversial curriculum that has been met with pushback from parents and legislators alike. This revised curriculum includes readings that state “…slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.” Following the announcement, the African American Muslim Insight Council (AAMIC) condemned the standards, labeling them "Anti-Black curricula."

Read our full statement here ([link removed]) .


**
Observing Ashura:
------------------------------------------------------------

"Those who are silent when others are oppressed are guilty of oppression themselves."
– Imam Hussein

Ashura epitomizes the importance of resistance to tyranny and speaking up against injustice. The sacrifice of Imam Hussein and his companions requires us to summon the courage within ourselves to challenge the oppressive conditions of our times. It evokes within us our responsibility to speak truth to power and defend the rights and dignity of all marginalized communities.

Read our full statement here ([link removed]) .


** Upcoming Events
------------------------------------------------------------
2023 MPAC Convention:
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]) .

============================================================
Founded in 1988, the ** Muslim Public Affairs Council ([link removed])
improves public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities. Our policy analysts provide insight from D.C. to the palm of your hand on the most pressing issues impacting American Muslims. Email is an important way for us to communicate with supporters like you. Should you want to stop hearing from us or change your preferences, click here to ** update your contact info ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe ([link removed])
.

** Your support makes our work possible! ([link removed])
** View online here. ([link removed])
Follow us.
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
** YouTube ([link removed])
** Donate ([link removed])
** If you would like to make a donation to MPAC today, please donate here. ([link removed])