Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | December 13, 2024 — The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) welcomes the White House's release of The U.S. National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate. While this document fails to address the primary concern of the American Muslim communities to end the genocide in Gaza, it is an important step toward addressing the systemic discrimination, harassment, and violence experienced by American Muslims.

Islamophobia is not a new challenge; it has long plagued our communities, undermining the principles of equality, justice, and inclusion that define our nation. These issues have only grown more prevalent since October 7th. The timing of this release, nearly four years into the administration, raises important questions about prioritization and the time lost to meaningfully combat these injustices.

Government institutions have played a significant role in perpetuating Islamophobia, often through policies and practices that have marginalized and targeted American Muslims. From the implementation of the Muslim Ban to surveillance programs that specifically singled out Muslim communities, these actions have not only fueled fear and division but have also contributed to systemic discrimination.

It is critical for the government to recognize its role in perpetuating these injustices and to take responsibility for the harm caused. So much of the hate and associated violence is a product of longstanding policies supported by both political parties. The release of this strategy by the administration is a nascent step in providing a reckoning with the self-inflicted epidemic of Islamophobia in America.

Acknowledging the government's past mistakes is an essential step in rebuilding trust and ensuring that future policies do not continue to exacerbate the cycle of Islamophobia. Only through this recognition can we move forward with the necessary reforms that guarantee justice and equality for all Americans, regardless of faith or background.

We welcome the provisions of this strategy, which include commitments to increasing federal protections, and addressing online hate. These actions are essential and, if properly implemented, can pave the way for long-overdue change. We urge the administration to immediately follow this announcement with robust, measurable implementation plans. We need decisive action to ensure that this strategy produces tangible, lasting results for our communities.

MPAC remains committed to holding policymakers accountable and ensuring this strategy serves as a springboard for impactful progress. We call upon the incoming Trump administration to adopt and expand upon this work, ensuring that the fight against Islamophobia remains a national priority for years to come.

As we look toward the next steps, MPAC will continue working with our allies to monitor progress, provide recommendations, and advocate for the resources needed to implement this strategy effectively. The fight against hate and bigotry transcends politics and must be a cornerstone of our nation’s commitment to justice and equality.