PRESS RELEASE: CAIR, UC Berkeley Release First Annual Islamophobia Report

CAIR, UC Berkeley Release First Annual Islamophobia Report Groundbreaking report lists ‘worst’ Islamophobes, ‘best’ of those pushing back against growing anti-Muslim sentiment (CHICAGO, 6/23/11) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Race and Gender today released “Same Hate, New Target,” the first-of-its-kind annual report outlining the disturbing growth of Islamophobia in the United States during 2009-2010.

SEE REPORT: Same Hate, New Target

The groundbreaking report also lists the “worst” Islamophobes and the “best” of those pushing back against growing anti-Muslim sentiment in American society.

"This critical report documents the development of Islamophobia in America, illustrating how this irrational fear is becoming increasingly widespread and mainstream," said CAIR-Chicago Civil Rights Director Christina Abraham. "With anti-Muslim vitriol seeping into our politics, media, and pop culture we are at risk of compromising the values our nation was founded on, the values of pluralism, religious tolerance, and equal rights for all."

Based on available data and interviews with experts, the report offers a definition of Islamophobia, an overview of its growing negative impact in the United States and names of individuals and institutions known for promoting or opposing the phenomenon. It has special sections on the manufactured controversy over the Park 51 Islamic community center in Manhattan, the 2010 Oklahoma ballot initiative targeting Islamic principles (Sharia) and Islamophobia in the 2010 elections.

The report also offers a vision regarding Islamophobia in America, looks toward the time when being Muslim carries a positive connotation and presents an initial set of recommendations for moving toward that goal.

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CAIR-Chicago is a chapter of America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: Lyndsey Stemm, Communications Coordinator, CAIR-Chicago, 312-212-1520, 414-736-8804, E-Mail: lstemm@cair.com Christina Abraham, Civil Rights Director, CAIR-Chicago, 312-212-1520, E-Mail: cabraham@cair.com