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ING in San Francisco Chronicle:
Supreme Court Decision on Muslim Ban Promotes Bigotry
ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi has a new op-ed on the Supreme Court’s Muslim ban decision in the San Francisco Chronicle, where she says:
“As the executive director of an organization whose mission is to counter Islamophobia and all forms of bigotry…we would do well to also remain mindful of the larger context of the [Muslim Ban] policy. The Supreme Court was willing to accept the government’s claim that Muslim immigrants posed a threat to national security. When the highest court in the nation fails to confront such an argument, it is a sign that our country has taken another step down a dangerous road, with consequences well beyond the restrictions on Muslim entry to the United States…
…This unfortunate decision, however, will not deter us; on the contrary, my organization and I will double down on our mission of promoting interreligious and intercultural harmony. Through our school visits, presentations and interfaith work, we provide the education and face-to-face contact with Muslims (and those of other faiths) that social scientists like David Brookman and Joshua Kalla have found to be the most effective way to dispel stereotypes and prejudice. We eliminate bigotry at its roots by changing the beliefs and attitudes that underlie it.”
You can read the full opinion at the San Francisco Chronicle. You can read Maha’s other published articles on her blog here.
Over 120 Interfaith Organizations Sign
Know Your Neighbor Statement on Muslim Ban
In response to the Supreme Court’s Muslim ban decision, the Know Your Neighbor: Multifaith Encounters campaign, a program of the Islamic Networks Group (ING), issued the following statement:
“We are deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to preserve the Trump administration’s Muslim ban. This decision sets a dangerous precedent by upholding a government policy directed against adherents of a specific religion — a policy that targets Muslim-majority countries for religious discrimination. In this time of great sadness, it is essential for America’s interfaith community to stand together in reaffirming our basic values, which we share with the vast majority of Americans…” [See the full list of 120 signatories and the statement at our site.]
To push back against the attitudes that enable discriminatory policies like the Muslim ban, we invite you to join us next week from July 2nd-6th for our new Know Your Neighbor Share Your American Story Campaign. Look for the official launch notice next week!
Islamic Speakers Bureau Training:
July 2nd by Webinar
All it takes to dispel negative stereotypes of Muslims is a ten-minute face-to-face conversation. An upcoming Islamic Speakers Bureau training via webinar on Monday, July 2nd at 5:00 PM Pacific/8:00 PM Eastern time, will provide ordinary Muslims with the tools to answer difficult questions about Islam and to present in schools, churches and other venues about American Muslims. Register today!
Upcoming Featured ING Events
Religious Studies Summer Institute:
July 11th in Washington, D.C.
ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi will participate in a special panel for the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Summer Religious Studies Institute sponsored by the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute. The Summer Institute convenes K-12 educators in the nation’s capital to explore issues of religious freedom and diversity in the classroom.
Muslim Diasporas and Contemporary Fashion:
July 12th in San Francisco
ING Deputy Director Ishaq Pathan will deliver “Getting to Know American Muslims and Their Faith,” one of ING’s core presentations, for the Teen Advisory Board of the de Young Museum in San Francisco as part of their preparation for hosting the Contemporary Muslim Fashions exhibition in September.
Hollyhock Equity in Education Conference:
July 17th in Stanford
ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi will discuss ING’s work in creating inclusive learning environments at Stanford University’s Hollyhock Equity in Education Conference. The Hollyhock Fellowship gathers high school teachers who are interested in deepening and developing their content-specific instructional practices and creating equitable access and opportunities for all learners in their classrooms.
Healthcare for Muslim Patients:
July 18th in Berkeley
ING Content Manager Ameena Jandali will deliver ING’s cultural diversity seminar for a group of hospital chaplains. The seminar and its toolkits provide healthcare professionals with the information and skills needed to enhance their healthcare delivery to Muslim patients.
Join the ING Team: Development, Speakers
Bureaus, Community Engagement
Come join the team! It’s our 25th year anniversary! We’re searching for a Development Associate to support management in planning and implementation of fundraising- and development-related activities for ING. We also need a Speakers Bureaus Manager to manage our speakers and affiliates while scheduling all requests for ING presentations, lectures, panels, and seminars. And our new Community Engagement Manager will act as liaison between faith communities, public officials, and community leaders while representing ING and leading national interfaith initiatives. Learn more about the positions and qualifications at our employment page.