Vice President Nourhan Mesbah received threats and harassing messages over a tweet she made when she was a child such as “ur done” and “you better grow eyes behind your hijab.” The College Democrats of America National Council, the Jewish Caucus, and CDA chapters at various campuses across the country decided to reprimand Ms. Mesbah by passing a resolution requiring her to undergo training led by the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) organizations with a history of antagonizing Muslims, Palestinians and people of color. Requiring Nourhan, a visibly Muslim woman, to attend a training by organizations with a history of undermining social justice movements and communities of color, including Muslim communities, raised doubts about the CDA’s commitments to anti-racist principles. In response to our letter sent on November 10th, the National Council of the College Democrats of America voted on a new resolution on November 22nd committing to address anti-Muslim bigotry within the organization and to protect Muslims from facing abuse for practicing their faith or advocating for Palestinian human rights. The resolution resolved that the CDA will: 1. Require all elected officials at the national and state level to undergo training on Islam and Islamophobia hosted by an organization approved by the Muslim Caucus of the CDA. 2. Formally investigate harassment and other mistreatment of members of the CDA, including Nourhan Mesbah, and take appropriate action to discipline or expel members who engaged in such harassment. 3. Adopted and published a resolution affirming the CDA’s commitment to welcome American Muslims and respect their perspectives, including support for Palestinian human rights. Read the CDA resolution here. “Corrective steps taken by the College Democrats of America to address anti-Muslim bigotry are welcome,” said AMP Executive Director, Dr. Osama Abuirshaid. “It should no longer be taboo to support Palestinian rights in Democratic institutions such as the College Democrats of America, especially when Members of Congress within the party are taking bold stances on the issue and it is now clearer than ever that Muslim students are and will remain at the vanguard of advancing Palestinian rights.” The College Democrats of America Muslim Caucus also welcomed the CDA resolution as a “first step” in condemning Islamophobia and “expressing support for our freedom to advocate for Palestine.” College Democrats of America Muslim Caucus Statement on Twitter | 
