Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | September 18, 2023 — The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) stands by Prospect Park, New Jersey, Mayor Mohamed Khairullah in his legal pursuit to highlight the continuous misuse of terrorism watchlists to discriminate against American Muslims in the name of national security.
Mayor Mohamed Khairullah is taking legal action against the Biden administration after he was disinvited from an Eid al-Fitr celebration at the White House earlier this year. Mayor Khairullah was informed that the Secret Service denied him security clearance despite holding public office; he believes that his name appeared on a terrorism watchlist, which targets Muslims.
According to a 2023 report issued by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an estimated 98 percent of names on the watchlist are Muslim names.
“These watchlists, which target individuals solely based on their race, religion, or ethnicity, are not only morally wrong but also blatantly unconstitutional,” said Salam Al-Marayati, President of MPAC. “The fundamental principles of equality and freedom enshrined in the United States Constitution protect every citizen’s right to be free from discrimination and profiling.”
The mayor’s case highlights the need for reform in the government’s use of watchlists, which have been criticized for their lack of transparency and due process. At a time when domestic terrorism and white supremacy are the largest threats to national security in America, MPAC urges the Biden administration to cease the use of unconstitutional watchlists.
As the lawsuit moves forward, MPAC will continue to advocate for the constitutional rights of American Muslims and work towards a more just and equitable society for all.
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