December 9, 2013

MPAC announced it will partner with the Arab American Association of New York (AAANY) for its Spring 2014 Research Fellowship, which will document the impact of surveillance on Muslim New Yorkers. Specifically, the fellowship will look at how the civic engagement and political mobilization of targeted communities have been impacted.

“While the legalities of the NYPD’s mass surveillance are being debated by the courts, one issue that has not been given much consideration is how targeted surveillance of American Muslims and Arab Americans affects their level of participation in society,” said Haris Tarin, Director of MPAC’s Washington, DC, office. “We tend to forget that actions taken in the name of security can jeopardize the very freedom that democratic societies thrive on.”

Since the horrific 9/11 attacks, many law enforcement agencies, both local and federal, have increased their use of surveillance to further understand threats and risks, internationally and domestically.

The research fellow will examine how some institutions  became targets of surveillance. The fellow also will look at how some people and groups were able to effectively mobilize and counter the surveillance programs and how others were marginalized in their response.

The research fellow will utilize a qualitative analysis approach based on interviews with those targeted by the surveillance. The fellow will look into the different responses from communities, institutions, and individuals to the investigations.

Using this information, the fellow will document how New York’s Muslim and Arab American communities reacted and will provide recommendations to civil society groups, law enforcement agencies, and policy-makers on how to ensure the safety of Americans while also preserving the privacy and freedoms of all citizens.

MPAC has a robust fellowship program that has resulted in the publishing of many papers on subjects such as the use of drones and the history of Muslims in America. MPAC fellows gain hands-on education and experience and will be able to use their creativity and initiative to enhance or even create effective projects that help fulfill our mission. We are looking for team players who are self-motivated and enjoy working hard. 

Click here for more information about the fellowship and learn how you can apply.

All applications and any questions about the Policy Research Fellowship should be sent directly to Saif Inam, MPAC's Policy Analyst, at saif@mpac.org or 202.547.7701 by Jan. 6,^, 2014.