Alliance for Justice Joins 54 Groups in Condemning Congressional Hearings on the So-Called Radicalization of Muslims

Washington, D.C., March 8, 2011– Alliance for Justice today announced that an open letter has been sent to Representative Peter King (R-N.Y.), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, objecting to the committee’s planned March 10 hearings on the “radicalization” of American Muslims.

 “When any religious group is singled out for persecution or investigation, we all lose a measure of our own liberty,” said Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron. “Alliance for Justice is proud to join over 50 organizations in standing up to this shameful effort to appeal to fear and irrational bigotry and blame an entire community for the acts of a few.” 

Although King has claimed that his hearings are motivated by concerns over terrorism, Aron countered that, “These hearings have nothing to do with homeland security and everything to do with political posturing. It erodes the fabric of our free society to put on a political show that paints all American Muslims as terrorists, despite clear evidence to the contrary, and the unambiguous message from law enforcement agencies that American Muslims have been active partners in the effort to protect the nation from terrorist attacks.”

The letter, signed by 55 organizations representing a wide range of constituencies, strongly opposes Congressman King’s attempt to single out American Muslims for scrutiny. The letter’s signers say that they fear the hearings “will serve to further promote the demonization and scapegoating of millions of American Muslims, while providing little valuable insight into the prevention of domestic terrorism.” 

» Download the letter here (pdf)

***

Alliance for Justice is a national association of over 100 organizations dedicated to advancing justice and democracy. For more than 30 years, AFJ  has led the fight for a more equitable society on behalf of a broad constituency of environmental, consumer, civil and women's rights, children's, senior citizens' and other groups. Alliance for Justice is premised on the belief that all Americans have the right to secure justice in the courts and to have our voices heard when government makes decisions that affect our lives.