2. Political Environment of American Muslims
Talk of recession, gridlock in D.C.
Year-long presidential campaign; President Obama misperceived
to be a Muslim by many Americans; wedge issue in the campaign
Public sentiments of American Muslims based on polls (slide #3)
Increasing hate crimes and bullying of Muslim students (slide
#4)
“Sharia creep” campaign
Anti-mosque campaigns and protests
Peter King hearings on alleged radicalization of American
Muslims – narrowly focused
Arab Spring & Pal-Israeli conflict
Media coverage of the above
3. Public Sentiments of American Muslims
According to a January 2010 Gallup Poll:
53% of Americans have unfavorable view of Islam
43% admit to feeling prejudice toward Muslims
66% disagree that Muslims accept other religions
68% disagree that Christian and Muslim religious beliefs are basically
the same
81% disagree that most Muslims believe women and men should have
equal rights
4. Bullying of Students Today
Bullying of American Muslim Students
2010 survey of teenage youth found that 80% had experienced harassment
50% reported being called names in front of teachers or administrators
SF Chronicle reported that 80% of boys had been called terrorist
Bullying in Schools in General
Over 40% of school staff in a recent NEA poll indicated that bullying is a prominent
problem in their school
41% of staff witnessed at least one bullying incident per week
35% indicated that at least one student reported bullying to them in the past month.
16% indicated that a parent had reported a bullying incident to them
Although willing to intervene in bullying situations, over 50% of staff indicated there
were few formal bullying prevention activities in their schools
60% report that their schools do not have a formal anti-bullying program in place
5. Possible Impact of Political Environment on
American Muslims
“We hope for the best…”
Increased hate incidences and crimes
Increased vandalism of property
Increased harassment and bullying of children in schools
Increased discrimination in housing and employment
Increased stresses on mental and physical health
Increased demands on ING and its Affiliates
Added scrutiny of Muslim leaders and Muslim founded
organizations
6. ING Goals 2012
Mission: Counter prejudice and discrimination against American
Muslims by teaching about their traditions and contributions in
the context of America’s history and cultural diversity, while
building relations between American Muslims and other groups.
Continue to broaden reach and have greater impact while
keeping costs down. Strategies are in this order of priority
1. Disseminate online content & create new content
2. Increase numbers of cultural diversity seminars
3. Support existing Affiliates and further expand working with MSA’s
4. Expand bullying prevention program
