VOLUME No: 64 Issue No:2
Washington, D.C. - August 20, 2004
Mosque Case Praised, FBI “Voluntary Interviews” Questioned
A Department of Justice investigation into possible discrimination and FBI “voluntary interviews” were among the main topics at an interagency meeting this week. Senior representatives, most focusing on combating religious discrimination and protecting civil rights, from several government agencies discussed these issues with leaders of the Muslim, Arab, and Sikh communities.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) was complimented by several at the meeting for their proactive investigation into Sarasota County’s denial of a building permit for a new mosque. The Islamic Society of Sarasota and Bradenton was seeking permission to build a 13,500 square foot mosque, including two 80 foot minarets. In February, the county commission ruled that the height could not exceed the 40 foot limit. However, the same height limit was not imposed on 14 other houses of worship built in the county since 2002.
DOJ initiated a preliminary investigation of the situation without waiting for a request from the Islamic society. In a letter to the Sarasota County Commission, the DOJ asserts that the commission may have placed "a substantial burden on the religious exercise of the Islamic Society of Sarasota and Bradenton."
Also during the D.C. meeting, the representative from the FBI was questioned at length about the agency’s recent “voluntary interviews.” It was suggested that the “interviews” might be more effective and less intimidating to the community if the agency would first publicly announce the purpose of the interviews. This simple step may contribute to developing a constructive, non-adversarial atmosphere between the community and the agents.
Government agencies represented at the meeting included the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, Immigration, State, Treasury, and Transportation. The FBI and EEOC were also present.
The Islamic Free Market Institute, MPAC, AAI, Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force, and ADC participated.
IFMIF Aids Iraqi Humanitarian Groups
Leaders of Iraqi humanitarian organizations, who are on a State Department sponsored tour, met with Islamic Free Market Institute representatives in Washington, D.C. this week. Among the issues discussed were the role and of Muslims in America and gaining access to U.S. based sources of humanitarian assistance. The groups were seeking support for their work with Iraqi children and victims of Thalassemia, a form of anemia.
Charitable persons who wish to contribute to this work should e-mail nick@ifmif.org
Reporting Airport Security Discrimination
Airline passengers who feel their faith resulted in groundless security scrutiny should file a complaint with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
TSA requests that the complaint includes “the name of the airport, your flight information, date, and time of the incident and if possible the name of the employee.”
Submit your complaint to:
Transportation Security Administration
Director, Office of Civil Rights
601 South 12th Street - West Tower, TSA-6
Arlington, Virginia 22202
Attn: External Programs Division
If you need additional information you may contact the Office of Civil
Rights toll-free at 1-877-EEO-4TSA (4872).
Mosque to be Presented in Cathedral – Mark Your Calendar
What: Award winning author David Macaulay will be speaking
about and signing his latest book, Mosque.
When: Friday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: National Cathedral in Washington, DC, located at the intersection of
Wisconsin and Massachusetts Avenues.
As he describes the construction of a fictional but typical Ottoman mosque of the late sixteenth century, acclaimed author and illustrator David Macaulay reveals that a mosque is much more than just a structure to serve the religious needs of a community. Each of the surrounding buildings within the complex provides something unique and necessary — education, food for its students and the needy, a place for commerce, lodging for travelers, and public baths.
Macaulay's books, which are very easily understood by younger people, have earned him numerous accolades and awards.
The event is free and open to the public.
Election Watch
Mark your calendar:
Presidential Debates
September 30
October 8
October 13
Vice-Presidential Debate
November 2
While the schedule of the upcoming Republican convention is a tightly held secret, IFMIF sources report that Muslims will be “pleased” by one of the gathering’s invocations. During the Democratic convention Imam Yahya Hendi gave an invocation.
