Dominique Parris, Kenzie Kittle, Matt Falk

POLICY BRIEF ON THE INTEGRATION OF AMERICAN MUSLIMS

What action should the United States Government take to betterintegrate AmericanMuslims into society?

THE QUESTION

Influence of African Americans on Islam NOI- Contradiction of “True Islam” Skewed perception of Islam by Non-Muslim Americans

Islamophobia September 11th Attacks Spurred on by the media

BACKGROUND

28%

35%18%

1%18%

Race Breakup of American MuslimsWhite

BlackAsian Latino Other

Skewed Perception of Islam

Growing number of Muslims 2.6 Million in 2010 to 6.2 Million in 2030

Avoiding Internal Conflict

WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM?

Poll Response Are the values of Islam at odds with American Values?

47% of Americans believe that they are at odds.

Is Islam an Important Religion in America?

43% of Americans believe Islam is not important in America.

Do Muslims have a favorable view of the US?

46% of Americans believe Muslims have an unfavorable view.

CONTINUED

Absence of an Action No direct laws towards Muslims

Anti-Immigration and Terrorism Laws Patriot Act- increased surveillance and ability to detain

without proof Criminal Alien Removal Act- law enforcement can send

immigrants back to country of origin National Security Entry-Exit Registration System-

interrogation, fingerprinting, photographs on entry to country.

Sharia Law Ban (House Bill 296)

WHAT HAVE WE ALREADY DONE?

Dress Violations

Wallace Jaffrey Court Case

Dearborn Michigan Policies Footbaths Halal Food

CONTINUED

POLICY OPTIONS

Policy Option Advantages Disadvantages Installing Footbaths in Government Buildings

(Nationally)

-Shows Non-Muslim respect for Islam. -Increase Social integration -Increase Health and Sanitary Conditions for Non-Muslims and Muslims

-Costs upwards of 25,000-Citizens may protest taxation to fund this option -Separation of church and state may prevent Gov. funding.

Making Public School Calendars Accommodate Eid (Nationally)

-Allows Islam the same accommodations as other prominent religions -Increases understanding of Islam for younger Generation -Muslim attendance at Public Schools may increase

-Schools may lengthen year to allow for extra breaks -Could encourage other religions to fight for days off from school

Making Halal Food an Option in Public Schools (Nationally)

-Decrease “oppositional behavior” -Encourage Non-Muslims to learn more about Islam, and therefore become understanding of the religion

-Other religious dietary needs must also be accommodated -Not economically feasible -Excessive government entanglement in Religious affairs.

Allowing for paid prayer breaks in Government funded Buildings

(Nationally)

-Further integration of Muslims -Muslims may begin to take jobs in Public Sector -Increase in political participation

-Violation of separation of Church and State -Could be seen as preferential treatment towards Muslims. -Could be disruptive

Make Public School Calendars accommodate Eid Economically superior Raises awareness of the religion Already has small scale success

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