On April 12, 2012, in what will inevitably go down as a historic sentencing statement, Tarek Mehanna stated that 4 years ago, he was approached by two federal agents who told him that he had two options; either become an informant for the government or end up in prison on charges of terrorism.

While the misperception that hijab is oppressive to Muslim women exists, the true meaning of hijab suggests the opposite. Hijab is widely deemed as liberating to Muslim women – freeing them from the objectification of their bodies.

As the investigation continues into the brutal killing of American-Muslim Shaima Alawadi, Americans from all backgrounds stand in solidarity with the victims of crimes fueled by hate.

Muslims continue to be the target of hate, fear, and racism causing them to become victims of acts of blatant discrimination and inequality. Muslims have encountered spying, being singled out, and have been deprived their freedom of speech.

The way in which KONY 2012 is being reported illustrates a clear bias and double standard in reporting. The crimes that Kony and the LRA have committed are acts of terror and should be labeled as such.

When Attorney General Eric Holder broke the government silence on the secretive policy of extrajudicial executions, civil rights groups across the nation voiced opposition to the controversial topic of the targeted killings of American citizens.

Reflecting on a tumultuous year of Occupy movements and the Arab Spring, the U.S. government has passed not one, but two new anti-protesting laws. With the exclusion of single word – from “willingly and knowingly” to simply “knowingly” – the Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act is further restricting Americans first amendment rights.

As more and more Americans use the Internet, anti-Muslim sentiment has found a new platform to spread hate and bigotry. As a result, Muslims have taken to the web to combat this prejudice, and present a more fair, accurate and diverse image of Islam.

A feeling of suspicion has swept over American-Muslims, leaving some distrustful of others in their own community.

Khader Adnan, a Palestinian detained by the Israeli army, received international attention as he went on a hunger strike for 66 days protesting his violent arrest and indefinite detention.