By: Amine Ben Naceur, MPAC Senior Non-Resident Policy Fellow

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Guantanamo detention center in the U.S. Navy base on the Cuban island. Since its opening in 2002, more than 800 detainees have entered the cells of the detention center known for its frequent human rights violations. Considered the last vestige of the War on Terror, U.S. authorities do not seem willing to close this obsolete detention center, even though the latest decisions of Congress and the Biden Administration go against the commitments made by the President during his campaign. In this context, MPAC reiterates its unconditional commitment to the closure of this institution, which further tarnishes the moral authority of our country on the international stage that has already been undermined by the previous administration. 

Read full article →

 

On December 14, 2021, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5665, the Combatting International Islamophobia Act. Following this passage, the Senate introduced a companion bill, led by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).  

This legislation, if passed, would require the Department of State to establish a Special Envoy for tracking and combating Islamophobia globally. The creation of the Special Envoy will also help lawmakers and other government officials better understand anti-Muslim hatred and violence, allowing for the development of a comprehensive strategy that will establish U.S. leadership in addressing Islamophobia worldwide. 

MPAC and Emgage Action are actively working on advocacy to encourage this effort.

Stay tuned for more details in the coming days.
 

 

In conjunction with the Yale Free Exercise Clinic, last summer MPAC submitted an Amicus Brief to the United States Supreme Court in support of the right to religious freedom of an inmate from Nevada. 

This week, the Ninth Circuit issued an opinion in Johnson v. Baker, affirming that under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), which provides expansive protection for religious liberty, States may not inquire into the centrality of a religious practice to a faith, so long as the belief is sincerely held, and also better defining what constitutes a substantial burden.

 

Important announcement – we are so grateful for the incredible interest requests for our 2022 CLDP cohort. Due to this overwhelming demand, we are pleased to announce an application extension to Sunday, February 20, 2022. 

Are you or someone you know ready to avail this unique opportunity valued at $10,000? 

Our CLDP program is offered at zero cost to accepted candidates and places youth in a coveted Capitol Hill internship position for 10 weeks during the summer. Fellows gain critical first hand experience on how Congress functions, what goes on behind closed doors – and what the legislative process actually looks like.

If this extension impacts you or anyone in your network to avail this opportunity, please share this program with your network. We are grateful to our stakeholders, advisors and staff for stepping in to support this increase in demand. We thank you for your support. 

Deadline to submit applications is Sunday, February 20th!

Learn more and apply for our CLDP program →

 

In the wake of the attack on the synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, last week a group of multi faith leaders joined together in solidarity to protest hate, violence, and polarization.

Watch the full press conference →