MPAC Joins 54 Groups in Sending Letter to King Condemning “Radicalization” Hearings

March 11, 2011

MPAC joined more than 50 other interfaith organizations in sending a letter to Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, objecting to the committee’s March 10 hearings on the “radicalization” of American Muslims.

“MPAC is proud to sign this letter and stand with other interfaith organizations is banning together against these hearings that did nothing to solve the problem of violent extremism,” said Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC President. “Instead, King targeted an entire population of Americans and tried to scapegoat them as the source of problem without providing any credible evidence.”

The letter, signed by 55 organizations representing a wide range of constituencies, strongly opposes King’s scrutiny and attempt to single out Muslim Americans.

The letter states:

“While we all take the threat of terrorism seriously, we see no productive outcome in singling out a particular community for examination in what appears to be little more than a political show-trial. American Muslims, like all Americans, want to keep our country safe, and to cooperate with law enforcement when they are aware of criminal activity.”

Besides MPAC, the letter’s other signers include Arab American Institute, Muslim Advocates, Progressive Jewish Alliance and The Sikh Coalition.