ALIF: Combatting 9-11 Backlash: Statements of Federal Agencies

It's my honor to welcome to the White House my fellow Americans, Arab Americans, Americans who are Muslim by faith, to discuss about the current issues that took place, the aftermath of the incident, and what our country is going to do to make sure that everybody who is an American is respected.

I have told the nation more than once that ours is a war against evil, against extremists, that the teachings of Islam are the teachings of peace and good, and the al Qaeda organization is not an organization of good, an organization of peace. It's an organization based upon hate and evil.

I also want to assure my fellow Americans that when you pledge allegiance to the flag, with your hand on your heart, you pledge just as hard to the flag as I do; that the outpouring of support for our country has come from all corners of the country, including many members of the Muslim faith. And for that I am grateful.

I appreciate the contributions of time, the contributions of blood to help our fellow Americans who have been injured. And I'm proud of the Muslim leaders across America who have risen up and who have not only insisted that America be strong, but that America keep the values intact that have made us so unique and different -- the values of respect, the values of freedom to worship the way we see fit. And I also appreciate the prayers to the universal God.

Excerpt from remarks of President George W. Bush to Muslim community leaders, September 26, 2001

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It's my honor to welcome citizens from all across our country here to the Roosevelt Room and the White House to discuss our common commitment to make sure that every American is treated with respect and dignity during this period of -- during any period, for that matter, of American history, particularly during this time.

An American Sikh has been killed, unjustly so. These citizens bring their hearts with them, and I can assure them that our government will do everything we can to not only bring those people to justice, but also to treat every human life as dear, and to respect the values that made our country so different and so unique. We're all Americans, bound together by common ideals and common values.

So I want to welcome you all here. I'm honored that you're here in the White House, and I look forward to a good, frank discussion. Thank you for coming.

Remarks of President George W. Bush to Sikh community leaders, September 26, 2001

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Thank you all very much for your hospitality. We've just had a wide-ranging discussion on the matter at hand. Like the good folks standing with me, the American people were appalled and outraged at last Tuesday's attacks. And so were Muslims all across the world. Both Americans and Muslim friends and citizens, tax-paying citizens, and Muslims in nations were just appalled and could not believe what we saw on our TV screens.

These acts of violence against innocents violate the fundamental tenets of the Islamic faith. And it's important for my fellow Americans to understand that.

The English translation is not as eloquent as the original Arabic, but let me quote from the Koran, itself: In the long run, evil in the extreme will be the end of those who do evil. For that they rejected the signs of Allah and held them up to ridicule.

The face of terror is not the true faith of Islam. That's not what Islam is all about. Islam is peace. These terrorists don't represent peace. They represent evil and war.

When we think of Islam we think of a faith that brings comfort to a billion people around the world. Billions of people find comfort and solace and peace. And that's made brothers and sisters out of every race -- out of every race.

America counts millions of Muslims amongst our citizens, and Muslims make an incredibly valuable contribution to our country. Muslims are doctors, lawyers, law professors, members of the military, entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, moms and dads. And they need to be treated with respect. In our anger and emotion, our fellow Americans must treat each other with respect.

Women who cover their heads in this country must feel comfortable going outside their homes. Moms who wear cover must be not intimidated in America. That's not the America I know. That's not the America I value.

I've been told that some fear to leave; some don't want to go shopping for their families; some don't want to go about their ordinary daily routines because, by wearing cover, they're afraid they'll be intimidated.

Those who feel like they can intimidate our fellow citizens to take out their anger don't represent the best of America, they represent the worst of humankind, and they should be ashamed of that kind of behavior.

This is a great country. It's a great country because we share the same values of respect and dignity and human worth. And it is my honor to be meeting with leaders who feel just the same way I do. They're outraged, they're sad. They love America just as much as I do.

I want to thank you all for giving me a chance to come by. And may God bless us all.

Joint Statement Against Employment Discrimination
in the Aftermath of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks

Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, we have seen compassion and respect for people of all faiths, races, and national and ethnic origins in workplaces throughout our country. One month after the attacks, President Bush noted with gratitude this "outpouring of compassion for people within our own country," recognizing that individuals of many religions stand side-by-side in America.

Nonetheless, we continue to receive reports of incidents of harassment, discrimination, and violence in the workplace against individuals who are, or are perceived to be, Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern, South Asian, or Sikh. When people are singled out for unfair treatment or are harassed based on their national origin, immigration status, ethnicity, or religious affiliation, practices, or manner of dress, we must act quickly to address and redress these acts of discrimination.

As leaders within the principal federal agencies responsible for enforcing the laws against discrimination in employment, we are issuing this joint statement to reaffirm the federal government's commitment to the civil rights of all working people in our fight against terrorism. These agencies - the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs of the Department of Labor - together continue to intensify their efforts to combat discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status in the workplace.

To that end, we are encouraging victims to come forward so that we can promptly investigate their complaints. The aftermath of September 11 has demonstrated the need for our agencies to make extensive and wide-ranging efforts to provide public education, information, and guidance. We have instructed those who work in our agencies to take prompt and appropriate action in response to complaints of employment discrimination relating to the events of September 11 and the ongoing fight against terrorism. We are committed to taking all necessary action to protect the civil rights of all of our working people.

The first step is preventing discrimination before it occurs. Many employers, labor organizations, and employee groups have taken swift action already. We commend those who have sent out the message that discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated in their workplaces, and urge all employers to communicate and enforce workplace policies against harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Employers also should encourage employees to report any improper conduct through internal complaint mechanisms or to appropriate federal agencies. Additionally, we ask those employers who have been charged with discrimination to resolve these matters voluntarily in cooperation with our agencies.

These efforts are of vital importance to individuals of all races, ethnicities, national origins, and religions in workplaces throughout the country. In the President's words, that which "makes our nation so strong and that will ultimately defeat terrorist activity is our willingness to tolerate people of different faiths, different opinions, different colors, within the fabric of our society." It is this diversity and inclusiveness that strengthens our country and guarantees our future prosperity. Together we can make our workplaces models of respect and understanding. And in this way we do our part to defeat those forces that seek to undermine the American way of life.

Individuals who wish to file a complaint of employment discrimination should call the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at 1-800-669-4000 (allegations involving employers of fifteen or more employees); the Department of Justice's Office of Special Counsel Worker Hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (national origin allegations against employers with four to fourteen employees and citizenship or immigration status allegations against all employers); or the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs at 1-888-376-3227(allegations against federal government contractors).

Since Tuesday the Justice Department has received reports of violence and threats of violence against

We must not descend to the level of those who perpetrated Tuesday's violence by targeting individuals based on their race, their religion, or their national origin.

Such reports of violence and threats are in direct opposition to the very principles and laws of the United States and will not be tolerated.

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The Attorney General has made clear that any act of violence or discrimination against a person based on the perceived race, religion or national origin of that person is contrary to our fundamental principles and the laws of the United States. His statement is a reminder to all Americans that Americans of Arab or South Asian decent and people of the Muslim faith were also injured and killed in Tuesday's attacks. In addition, they also are -- along with other Americans -- involved in relief operations, and other efforts to alleviate suffering. Any threats of violence or discrimination against Arab or Muslim Americans or Americans of South Asian descents are not just wrong and un-American, but also are unlawful and will be treated as such.

As the Attorney General reminded us today, we must not descend to the level of those who perpetrated Tuesday's violence by targeting individuals for threats or violence based on their race, religion, and national origin. To do so would be to grant terrorists a victory they cannot - and would not - otherwise achieve. We are a great nation; we must treat one another, and others in a manner consistent with that greatness. Everything we do must reaffirm and respect the dignity, heroism and sacrifice of those who have died, lest their sacrifice be in vain.

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Before I spend a moment discussing the current investigation, I want to talk briefly about another area of the FBI’s responsibilities, and that relates to civil rights.

Since the horrific attacks on September 11, dozens of retaliatory hate crimes have been directed at members of the Arab-American community, including assaults, arson, threatening communications and two possibly-and I say “possibly”-ethnically motivated murders. Many of these criminal acts have been directed at Muslim houses of worship and at Muslim community centers.

I want to make it very clear: Vigilante attacks and threats against Arab-Americans will not be tolerated. We are all saddened by the recent acts of terrorism against our nation. Such acts of retaliation violate federal law and, more particularly, run counter to the very principles of equality and freedom upon which our nation is founded. The FBI and the Department of Justice are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting violations of the federal hate crime laws. We, to date, have initiated 40 hate crimes investigations, involving reported attacks on Arab American citizens and institutions. And we are working with the Department of Justice to review other incidents to see if federal violations have taken place. I might also add that the FBI is reaching out to leaders of the Arab American community in each of our 56 field offices across the country.

Excerpt of News Conference Remarks of FBI Director Robert Mueller, September 17, 2001

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Today we seek to meet the challenge of terrorism with the same careful regard for the Constitutional rights of Americans and respect for all human beings. Just as American rights and freedoms have been preserved throughout previous law enforcement campaigns, they must be preserved throughout this war on terrorism.

This Justice Department will never waiver in our defense of the Constitution nor relent our defense of civil rights.

Mr. Chairman, I also want to report to you on the status of the DOJ’s activities regarding protecting the civil rights of all Americans. Since September 11, the Civil Rights Division, working closely with the United States Attorneys and the FBI, has opened over 60 investigations into acts involving force or threats of force committed in retaliation for the events of September 11. All of these acts include killings, assaults, the destruction or attempted destruction of businesses, attacks on mosques and worshipers and death threats.

The Department of Justice is firmly committed to pursuing these misguided wrongdoers vigorously. The Civil Rights Division and FBI officials have met with leaders of the Arab American, Muslim and Sikh communities and we have established in the Civil Rights Division an initiative to combat post-terrorism discrimination to ensure that all allegations of violence or discrimination are addressed promptly and effectively.

Let there be no mistake: the Department of Justice will not tolerate acts of violence or discrimination against people in this country based on their race, national origin or religion.

Excerpt of Testimony of Attorney General John Ashcroft before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, September 25, 2001

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It is testimony to the compassion and decency of the American people that virtually simultaneously with learning of the attacks of September 11, voices began to be raised cautioning citizens not to turn their anger and outrage over the terrorist acts against Arab-Americans and people of the Muslim faith. Americans overwhelmingly heeded this message.

In many cases, individuals have reached out to Muslims and others to reassure them that they are still welcome and valued members of their communities. I spoke with old friends today in the Muslim and Sikh community. They echoed what the vast majority of Americans understand. The nation has suffered a grave loss. Those who would express their anger through ethnically or religiously motived attacks would only compound our loss.

As President Bush, FBI Director Mueller and I have said on numerous occasions, vigilante attacks and threats against people of Arab, Middle Eastern or South Asian descent, or against those who practice the Islamic faith, will not be tolerated. Such senseless acts of brutality violate federal law, and they run counter to the very principles of equality and freedom upon which our nation is founded. They are un-American.

I am thankful to the representatives of the Arab-American, Muslim and Sikh communities who have taken the time to share their ideas and concerns with us here today. The Department of Justice is strongly committed to investigating and prosecuting violators of the federal hate crime laws.

We have established in the Civil Rights Division an initiative to combat post-terrorism discrimination by ensuring that allegations of violence or discrimination are addressed promptly and effectively. Working in tandem, the Civil Rights Division, FBI, and U.S. Attorneys' offices have opened over 170 hate crime investigations - cases involving killings, shootings, death threats, assaults, and the destruction of mosques. Two of the U.S. Attorneys involved in these prosecutions are with us today.

Let there be no mistake: the Department of Justice will not tolerate acts of violence or discrimination against people in this country based on their national origin, religion, or race.

In addition to the Arab-American, Muslim and Sikh representatives here today, I am pleased to be joined by:

Bob Jordan, Section Chief, Integrity in Government & Civil Rights, Criminal Investigation Division, FBI

Remarks of Attorney General John Ashcroft at a meeting of Muslim, Arab, and Sikh groups, October 16, 2001

NASA has long been committed to fostering a culture that is free of discrimination and built on trust, respect, teamwork, communication, empowerment, and commitment. The recent tragedies wrought by terrorist attacks on our Nation have made this more important than ever before. It is essential for us - as members of the NASA family - to rededicate ourselves to a spirit of unity, respect for every individual, and support for each other. This is what has made this Agency so strong and effective through the years. As our Nation moves forward in the days and weeks ahead, nothing must be allowed to diminish the unity of our NASA family or the Nation as a whole.

Unfortunately, in the aftermath of these tragedies the Nation has witnessed numerous acts of discrimination against Arab and Muslim Americans. While we as individuals are angry and pained by recent events, we must not direct our anger and pain toward individuals just because they are, or we believe them to be, Muslim, or of Arab descent. None of us wants to be stereotyped or targeted because of who we are, what we believe, or a simple fact of birth.

As President Bush stated in his address to Congress and the Nation in the aftermath of the attacks, America respects the faith of Muslim Americans and Muslims throughout the world, as we respect all religious faiths whose teachings are good and peaceful. These recent acts of discrimination against Arab and Muslim Americans are examples of bigotry and prejudice directed at particular individuals and their places of worship, based solely on those individuals' ethnic background and religious belief. These acts demonstrate, yet again, the insidious nature of discrimination and harassment; in this case, discrimination based on national origin and religion.

Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to emphasize that discrimination must not be allowed to touch our NASA family in any way. In this vein, I must reiterate that NASA has zero tolerance for bigotry, harassment, stereotyping, and discrimination based on nonmerit factors.

I am calling on all NASA managers to rededicate themselves to providing a civil work environment which gives every member of our NASA family a feeling of security and mutual respect. Ensuring equal opportunity for each of us to work and excel while on NASA premises continues to be of paramount concern to me. Opportunity must be provided regardless of race, color, age, sex, national origin, religion, or disability, notwithstanding the current tragedy. We must all step up to the challenges of our diverse workforce and our constantly changing world to recognize the value of all of our employees.

It is with these concerns in mind that I reaffirm NASA's commitment to ensuring equal opportunity and to fostering a culture of respect. That respect must be built on trust, cooperation. That respect includes valuing the individuality of all member of the NASA family and their rich cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. I ask each of you to set the tone and lead by example in your workplace. I ask you to eliminate all forms of prejudice, make sure that civility is practiced, and not allow the course of events to alter in any way our commitment to unity and to each other - no matter what difficulties and challenges may lie ahead. I will do my part, and once again, I challenge you to do yours.

HUD No. 01-085
Further Information:
In the Washington, DC area: 202/708-0685
Or contact your local HUD office

SECRETARY MARTINEZ CALLS FOR HOUSING INDUSTRY TO STAND UNITED IN WAKE OF ATTACKS

WASHINGTON - HUD Secretary Mel Martinez today issued a letter to members of the housing industry highlighting the importance of standing united to combat any discrimination against Americans as they seek housing opportunities. Martinez stressed that America's strength is in part due to its great diversity and the fact that America has always welcomed people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds.

The letter, sent to HUD's public and private partners, including local and state governments that receive federal funding, fair housing organizations, public housing authorities, FHA-approved lenders, and others, makes note of the Fair Housing Act and other federal laws that prohibit discrimination and the intimidation of people in their homes. HUD is sending the letter to organizations that represent over one million people including members of the National Association of Realtors, National Multi Housing Council, the National League of Cities and the Mortgage Bankers Association, and to advocacy groups such as the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee.

The Fair Housing Act bars housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status and national origin. The Act covers the sale, rental, financing and advertising of almost all housing in the nation. Fair housing investigations are conducted by HUD and Department of Justice investigators, state and city agencies working with HUD, and private fair housing groups that receive HUD funds. A housing discrimination charge carries a minimum civil penalty of up to $11,000, plus monetary compensation for damages, including humiliation, emotional distress, and loss of housing rights. If either side in a case chooses to take the case to federal court, punitive damages may be awarded.

This message was e-mailed to major airlines and aviation associations on September 21, 2001. It concerns the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

Since the terrorist hijackings and events of September 11, we have seen several reports of airlines apparently removing passengers from flights because the passengers appeared to be Middle Eastern and/or Muslim. We caution airlines not to target or otherwise discriminate against passengers based on their race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, or based on passengers' names or modes of dress that could be indicative of such classification. Various Federal statutes prohibit air carriers from subjecting a person in air transportation to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or ancestry. At DOT, we are and will continue to be vigilant in ensuring that the airport security procedures, mandated by FAA and implemented by the airlines, are not unlawfully discriminatory.

We strongly encourage each airline to take steps to ensure that its employees understand that, not only is it wrong, but it is also illegal to discriminate against people based on their race, ethnicity, or religion. Recently, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Delta Airlines sent a letter to all of the airline’s employees worldwide requesting tolerance of all people and cultures, and explaining that its employees must comply fully with civil rights laws. A copy of this letter is attached.

Norman Strickman
Assistant Director for Aviation Consumer Protection
Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings
Office of the General Counsel
U.S. Department of Transportation

Sent to:
Alaska Airlines
Northwest Airlines
America West Airlines
Southwest Airlines
American Airlines
Trans World Airlines
American Trans Air
United Airlines
Continental Airlines
US Airways
Delta Air Lines
Air Transport Association
Regional Airline Association
International Air Transport Association
Air Carrier Association of America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Reginald Welch
Friday, September 14, 2001 David Grinberg
(202) 663-4900
TTY: (202) 663-4494

WASHINGTON - In the wake of this week's tragic events, Cari M. Dominguez, Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), called on all employers and employees across the country to promote tolerance and guard against unlawful workplace discrimination based on national origin or religion.

"We should not allow our anger at the terrorists responsible for this week's heinous attacks to be misdirected against innocent individuals because of their religion, ethnicity, or country of origin," Chair Dominguez said. "In the midst of this tragedy, employers should take time to be alert to instances of harassment or intimidation against Arab-American and Muslim employees. Preventing and prohibiting injustices against our fellow workers is one way to fight back, if only symbolically, against the evil forces that assaulted our workplaces Tuesday morning."

Ms. Dominguez exhorted all individuals to heed the words of President Bush, who said yesterday: "We must be mindful that as we seek to win the war [against terrorism] we treat Arab- Americans and Muslims with the respect they deserve."

EEOC enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, and retaliation for filing a complaint. For example, Title VII precludes workplace bias based on the following:

"Our laws reaffirm our national values of tolerance and civilized conduct. At this time of trial, these values will strengthen us as a common people," Ms. Dominguez said. "The nation's workplaces are fortified by the enduring ability of Americans of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and nationalities to work together harmoniously and productively."

In addition to enforcing Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, EEOC enforces the Equal Pay Act; prohibitions against discrimination affecting individuals with disabilities in the federal sector; sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the private sector, state and local governments; and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Further information about the Commission is available on its Web site at www.eeoc.gov.

We in the national service family send our hearts and prayers out to the friends and families of victims of yesterday's horrible tragedy, and we salute the courage of the emergency workers and volunteers engaged in the heroic rescue effort.

The attack was a national tragedy that will require a national response. The Corporation for National and Community Service is in communication with White House, FEMA, the American Red Cross, and state and local authorities to offer support and volunteers. Our AmeriCorps members, Senior Corps volunteers and Learn and Serve America students can play an important role in the healing and rebuilding that must occur in the wake of recent events. We stand ready to respond, but we want to make sure that our resources are deployed in the best possible way.

Meanwhile, it is more important than ever to rededicate ourselves to our common mission of service. The Corporation and the millions of Americans in national and community service are at work today, as they are every day, helping neighbors, meeting social needs and strengthening the ties that bind our people together. Indeed, yesterday's events will make Americans even more eager to serve their country, and we remain committed to supporting opportunities for people to give back to their communities.

As President Bush said last night, "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve." We in the family of national service must be bold and strengthen our resolve and respond with the best of America.

We will keep you informed about any requests for assistance that we receive. If you have suggestions of ways to help, please forward them through your normal channels to headquarters.

In addition, many of you are asking what you can do locally. Yesterday's events engender a range of feelings, from sympathy with those directly affected to shock, anger and fear. Members and volunteers should be encouraged to reflect on these feelings. In addition, we have listed a few ways to help and resources for more information.

Donate blood: The American Red Cross is encouraging people to make and keep appointments to give blood, whether it is in the next few days or weeks. Anyone wanting to donate can call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or your local Red Cross chapter to make an appointment. Medical personnel who want to donate their services should contact their local American Red Cross office.

Donate cash: The Federal Emergency Management Agency is urging those interested in helping the victims by making cash donations to contact the American Red Cross (call 1-800-HELP NOW) or the Salvation Army (call 1-800-SAL ARMY).

In the wake of last week's tragic events, Cari M. Dominguez, Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, called on all employers and employees across the country to promote tolerance and guard against unlawful workplace discrimination based on national origin or religion.

Dominguez exhorted all individuals to heed the words of President Bush, who said: "We must be mindful that as we seek to win the war [against terrorism] we treat Arab- Americans and Muslims with the respect they deserve."

I want to remind all Corporation employees and projects of the Corporation's mission statement, and its policies against discrimination and harassment.

I expect every Corporation manager, supervisor, and employee to actively carry out our equal opportunity policy.

Our policy against sexual, racial, national origin, or religious harassment states, in pertinent part:

Our Equal Opportunity Office may be reached at (202) 606-5000, extension 312 (voice), (202) 565-2799 (TDD), or [email protected].

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