The AHRC welcomes the settlement reached on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 between the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) civil rights division and the Crestwood School District (Crestwood) to improve educational services for bilingual students who seek to learn the English language. The settlement includes assurances that Crestwood will provide all the adequate resources including qualified staff hiring for that end. The DOJ investigation concluded that Crestwood failed to provide adequate language remedial services, staff and materials for the students and had serious issues of miscommunication with parents. This settlement will pave the way for a transparent process to assure that all the students regardless of race, color or national origin will receive the adequate and the proper services according to the applicable laws and regulations. AHRC congratulates all the stakeholders on the resolution of this matter. AHRC extends its gratitude to all parents and community organizations, activists and advocates who worked hard on this case. AHRC salutes the teachers who dared to speak out risking their professional career to address a justice and equity matter. AHRC extends its sincere appreciation to the DOJ civil rights division and the to the Michigan Eastern division US Attorney office for their efforts to bring this matter to a satisfactory resolution
“It’s very gratifying to witness the fruits of a collective effort on behalf of our children” said Imad Hamad, AHRC acting director. Mr. Hamad had the privilege of leading the community effort and mobilizing support on this matter two years ago. “Nothing is more important than securing the future of our kids assuring that their academic c rights are protected. The Crestwood matter highlights the importance of community mobilization and collaboration” stated Mr. Hamad.
AHRC expresses serious concerns regarding the stigmatizing of American cities and Arab and Muslim communities:
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC) joins the rest of the civil rights, civil liberties and human rights groups in expressing serious concerns regarding the reported FBI designation of a number of American cities with a significant demographic presence of Arab and Muslim Americans as “ground zero for terrorism.” The Intercept online magazine reported that the FBI has classified a number of American cities, including Dearborn, as top cities with “known or suspected terrorists.” The AHRC reaffirms the call for a thorough review of such designation due to its serious ramifications and the negative impact on these cities especially the economic impact. In addition, such designation of these cities unfairly casts a shadow of suspicion on a large segment of the population of these cities, namely the Arab and Muslim Americans, feeding fears and prejudices and creating an environment conducive to discrimination, harassment and even hate crimes. The AHRC stands firm in requesting clear answers seeking the facts surrounding such media reports. The designation, without clear criteria and transparency, does not help enhance the concept of mutual trust between government and the public at large nor does it advance our much needed unity. Terrorism is our common enemy and the Arab and Muslim American community is an indispensable partner in this fight.
For more information on this matter, visit:
https://firstlook.org/theintercept/article/2014/08/05/watch-commander/
AHRC reaffirms its strongest condemnation of crimes against Iraqi Christians & others:
The American Human rights Council (AHRC) reaffirms its position condemning the ongoing crimes of the terrorist group ISIS against Iraqi Christians and other minorities as well as against Iraqi Sunnis. The activities of ISIS constitute serious violations of the international humanitarian law. Hundreds of thousands of innocent people, mainly children and women, are suffering extreme hardship due to the activities of ISIS in Iraq. AHRC joins the human rights community in calling for a concerted international response to the atrocities in Iraq. The United Nations must uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and intervene to end the humanitarian crisis in Iraq that has harmed all the communities in Iraq, especially the minority communities.
Benefit Dinner for Gaza victims of War:
On Thursday August 21, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. (until 9:00 p.m.) a fundraiser dinner will be held to benefit the victims of the war on Gaza. The keynote speaker is Mr. Miko Peled, a notable peace activist. The dinner will be held at the Wayne Tree Manor located at 3500 Van Born road in the city of Wayne, MI. For tickets and further information please contact Doha at 586- 219-1911 or Lina at 586-524-9841.
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“Breaking Barriers, Building a Future”
American Human Rights Council (AHRC)
13530 Michigan Ave # 332
Dearborn, Michigan 48126/USA
Tel: 313-914-3251 Fax: 313-914-3284