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Subject:
From:
Jabou Joh <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
The Gambia and related-issues mailing list <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 18 Mar 2003 10:01:37 EST
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
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A second list should be developed containing contact information for all
local law enforcement agencies.

HOLD A COMMUNITY MEETING TO INFORM OTHERS OF SAFETY GUIDELINES

Call for a meeting of the local Muslim community to discuss the information
outlined in this kit. The meeting should take place at a local mosque or
Islamic center and should be advertised using the emergency contact list.

ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY SUPPORT NETWORK

Establish a network of community members who can offer emotional and
material support to those who may be the victims of hate crimes or
discrimination. Victims should not be left alone to deal with the negative
impact of such incidents.

REACTING TO INCIDENTS OF ANTI-MUSLIM HATE

If you believe you have been the victim of an anti-Muslim hate crime or
discrimination, you should:

1. Report the incident to your local police station and FBI office
IMMEDIATELY. Ask that the incident be treated as a hate crime. Ask
witnesses to give you their name and contact information.
2. Inform CAIR even if you believe it is a "small" incident. Incidents may
be reported online at: http://www.cair-net.org/ireport/ or TEL:
202-488-8787,  FAX: 202-488-0833,  E-MAIL: [log in to unmask]
3. Document the incident. Write down exactly what was said and/or done by
the offender. Save evidence. Take photographs.
4. Act quickly. Each incident must be dealt with when it happens, not when
convenient.
5. Decide on the appropriate action to be taken. Consider issuing a
statement from community leaders, holding a news conference, organizing a
protest, meeting with officials, or starting a letter writing campaign.
6. Mobilize community support. Contact CAIR and a local mosque or
organization.
7. Stay on top of the situation.
8. Announce results. When the incident is resolved, make an announcement to
the same people and organizations originally contacted.

REACTING TO ACTS OF DISCRIMINATION

1. Remain calm.
2. Report the discrimination to the appropriate authorities and to CAIR.
3. Document the discrimination. Save memos. Keep a detailed journal. Note
the presence of witnesses.  Keep copies of all correspondence. Create a
"paper trail."
4. Ask witnesses to give you their name and contact information.
5. Consider contacting a lawyer.
Take steps to increase security of your local mosque, Islamic center or
school.

YOUR RIGHTS AS AN EMPLOYEE

Federal law makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate against an
employee on the basis of religion, race, or national origin. Title VII of
the 1964 Civil Rights Act guarantees your right to:

1) Reasonable religious accommodation. The failure of an employer to
reasonably accommodate your religious practices constitutes discrimination.
"Religious practices" includes wearing a beard, hijab, prayer on the job,
and going to Jumah prayer.
2) Fairness in hiring, firing, and promotions. Your employer is prohibited
from considering religion when making decisions affecting your employment
status.
3) A non-hostile work environment. Your employer must ensure that you are
not subjected to anti-Muslim insults, harassment or unwelcome, excessive
proselytizing.
4)  Complain about discrimination without fear of retaliation. Federal law
guarantees your right to report an act of alleged discrimination. It is
illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for your complaint.

WHEN FACED WITH DISCRIMINATION ON THE JOB

1) Remain calm.
2) Inform the offending party that you believe his/her actions are
discriminatory.
3) Report the discriminatory action in writing to company management.
4) Begin documenting the discrimination by saving memos, keeping a detailed
journal, noting the presence of witnesses, and making written complaints
(keep copies). Create a "paper trail."
5) Contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and local
county or state civil rights agencies to educate yourself about legal
options.
6) Contact an attorney to discuss your case.
7) DO NOT sign any documents or resign without an attorney's advice.
8) Ask to be transferred to another department or job site.
9) Ask for mediation.
10) Contact CAIR to file a report.

YOUR RIGHTS AS AN AIRLINE PASSENGER

As an airline passenger, you are entitled to courteous, respectful and
non-stigmatizing treatment by airline and security personnel. You have the
right to complain about treatment that you believe is discriminatory. If
you believe you have been treated in a discriminatory manner, immediately:

1) Ask to speak to a supervisor.
2) Ask if you have been singled out because of your looks, dress, race,
ethnicity, faith, or national origin.
3) Ask for the names and ID numbers of all persons involved in the incident.
4) Ask witnesses to give you their names and contact information.
5) Write down a statement of facts immediately after the incident. Be sure
to include the flight number, the flight date, and the name of the airline.
6) Contact CAIR to file a report.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A STUDENT

1. You have the right to inform others about your religion. You have the
right to pass out literature or speak to others about Islam, as long as it
is not done in a disruptive manner.
2. You have the right to wear religious clothing. You also have the right
to wear clothing with a religious message, as long as other clothes with
messages are allowed.
3. You have the right to organize student-led prayer on campus, as long as
the service is not disruptive.
4. You may have the right to attend Friday prayer. The Supreme Court has
upheld the right of states to allow students "release time" to attend
religious classes or services.
5. You have the right to be excused from school for religious holidays. You
should inform the school that you will be absent.
6. You have the right to be excused from class discussions or activities
that you find religiously objectionable.
7. You have the right to form an extracurricular Muslim student group.

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