As-salaamu alaykum. Last week, the Los Angeles Times published several articles regarding the Los Angeles Policy Department's recent announcement that they will be initiating a project which will essentially "map" Muslims in the Southern California area. I would like to take this opportunity to clarify our position to you directly: Sincerely, Salam Nov 12, 2007 Salam Al Marayati Executive Director, MPAC has not officially endorsed, supported or agreed to work with the LAPD on a proposed mapping program despite misleading information in a Nov. 9 Los Angeles Times article stating that "Downing added that the Muslim Public Affairs Council has embraced the vaguely defined program 'in concept.'" MPAC believes the mapping proposal demonstrates the prevailing lack of understanding and knowledge of Islam and Muslims besieged in law enforcement and government policy circles. While opportunities that lead to interactions between such organizations can be instrumental in promoting understanding and respect, MPAC will NEVER endorse a policy, program or idea (not even "in concept") that violates the trust of our community or the principles of Islam. MPAC strongly opposes, and will defend against, any profiling program that singles out Muslims (or people of other faiths) for purposes of counterterrorism intelligence that violates our privacy, civil liberties and human rights. On Friday, MPAC held a press conference in Los Angeles to clarify its position against profiling or any singling out of the Muslim community which could take place through this proposed LAPD program. SEE: Video from MPAC Press Conference Responding to LAPD Mapping Reports (11/9/07) A meeting to discuss concerns regarding the LAPD proposal is scheduled for Nov. 15 between LAPD officials and Muslim leaders including CAIR-Greater LA, the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, the National Association of Muslim Lawyers and MPAC. MPAC has a strong track record of initiating direct conversation with decision-makers in public life as well as between law enforcement officials and Muslim community leaders, organizations and imams. In such endeavors, MPAC has worked alongside other Muslim American organizations including CAIR and the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, who share a commitment to promoting integration and opportunities for Muslim American involvement in public life.
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Dear Friends,
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Muslim Public Affairs Council
213-383-3443
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ON "MAPPING" PROGRAM
(Los Angeles - 11/12/07) – Amid news reports that mischaracterized MPAC's position on a proposed Los Angeles Police Department "mapping" plan, the Muslim Public Affairs Council sent a letter today to LAPD Deputy Chief Mike Downing expressing deep concerns regarding misrepresentation and quotes attributed to LAPD officials.
[Note: Right click the text link and choose "Save As"] http://www.mpac.org/article.php?id=558
In Peace & In Love,
Hedab
'How can a dying man pose a security threat?'
What YOU can do for justice in Palestine
A dying Arab need only live (and remain in israel) to pose a threat to israel's "security" - for, once israel ceases to be majority Jewish, it ceases to "exist."
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"Money" has no value - people do.