-
HOME
-
WHAT IS STANDOur Mission Our Values Our Help Contact
-
WHAT WE FIGHT FORReligious Freedom Religious Literacy Equality & Human Rights Inclusion & Respect Free Speech Responsible Journalism Corporate Accountability
-
RESOURCESExpert Studies Landmark Decisions White Papers FAQs Religious Freedom Resource Center Priest-Penitent Privilege Islamophobia Freedom of Religion & Human Rights Topic Index
-
HATE MONITORBiased Media Propagandists Hatemongers False Experts Hate Monitor Blog
-
NEWSROOMNews Media Watch Videos Blog
-
TAKE ACTIONCombat Hate & Discrimination Champion Freedom of Religion Demand Accountability
Muslim Delegates from Across the Nation Engage with Lawmakers on Muslim Advocacy Day
More than 500 Muslim delegates representing nearly two dozen states gathered in Washington, D.C., as part of the U.S. Council of Muslim Organization’s (USCMO) eighth annual Muslim Advocacy Day.
The delegates met with more than 200 Congressional offices on Capitol Hill in the space of three days, engaging lawmakers on matters of concern to Muslim Americans, with a focus on:
- Promoting the Combating International Islamophobia Act, which, if passed would create a new State Department post: Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Islamophobia—and would charge that department with taking a leadership role in establishing effective strategies against anti-Muslim hate internationally.
- Promoting the re-introduction of the resolution establishing the month of July as “Muslim-American Heritage Month,” a resolution previously introduced unsuccessfully in 2021 and 2022.
- Promoting reform of the federal terrorism watchlist, which a federal judge ruled unconstitutional in 2019.
Operating out of the centrally located Rayburn House Office Building, the delegates were able to efficiently meet and engage with a large number of elected representatives, as well as present a morning training session on policy and advocacy for attendees.
“We strive to build a more inclusive and just society for all.”
“This year’s National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill demonstrates the united and steadfast commitment of the American Muslim community to actively participate in shaping policies that reflect our shared values of justice, equality, and inclusion,” said USCMO Secretary General Oussama Jammal. “We are proud to have surpassed all previous records in terms of attendance and congressional engagement.”
Director of Government Affairs for the Council on American-Islamic Relations Robert S. McCaw, who chaired this year’s Muslim Advocacy Day Steering Committee, said: “By amplifying our voices on issues such as combating Islamophobia, recognizing the history and accomplishments of American Muslims, and addressing the government’s unconstitutional watchlisting practices, we strive to build a more inclusive and just society for all.”
STAND joins with the more than 500 Muslim delegates in their commitment to eliminate Islamophobia—from our nation and across the globe.
