war in iraq

Hot Line for Arab American and Muslim discrimination

Civil Rights Commission recommits Hot Line for Arab American and Muslim discrimination complaints

March 26 , 2003

As the conflict with Iraq progresses, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights affirms its commitment to protecting the rights of all Americans. To provide a remedy for potential hostility against Arab and South Asian Americans, people of the Muslim faith, and those perceived to be from these communities, the Commission is publicizing its toll-free hot line for discrimination.

Instituted after the September 11 attacks, the hot line received hundreds of calls reporting incidents of harassment and discrimination.

"Republishing the hot line now is a proactive measure to discourage intolerance and prejudice," said Commission Chairperson Mary Frances Berry. "War or a heightened terrorist alert does not justify the compromising of any person's civil rights or civil liberties. No one should be a target simply because they are, or appear to be, a member of an ethnic or religious population."

Those who believe they have experienced discrimination may call 1-800-552-6843 or e-mail to report their complaint. As a fact-finding body, the Commission will keep a database of all calls and refer those requiring action to appropriate federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Members of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights include Chairperson Mary Frances Berry, Vice Chairperson Cruz Reynoso and Commissioners Jennifer C. Braceras, Christopher Edley Jr., Peter N. Kirsanow, Elsie M. Meeks, Russell G. Redenbaugh, and Abigail Thernstrom. Les Jin is Staff Director.

Source: U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

war in iraq