ADC Michigan News & Views: ADC Press Conference , NYPD, International Woman Day Celebrations & more

ADC Michigan to Hold Press Conference on Pervasive Discrimination and Retaliation at Crestwood Schools
On Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 3:30pm, ADC Michigan will hold a press conference revealing details of the discrimination and retaliation a teacher at the Crestwood School District experienced when she spoke out against the lack of resources for Arab American and ESL students, as well as the policy of discrimination against hiring Arab American teachers.  A complaint has been filed with the EEOC and investigations are pending with the United States Department of Justice and the United States Department of Education.  For more information, please contact the ADC Michigan office at (313)581-1201 or civil rights lawyer Shereef Akeel at (248)269-9595.

ADC Michigan Condemns Actions of NYPD

ADC Michigan condemns the actions of the NYPD that were brought to light in a report in the news this week.  ADC Michigan calls upon the NYPD  and law enforcement to ensure that the basic rights of all U.S. citizens are upheld and respected. According to the article, “the report, along with other documents obtained by The Associated Press, reveals how the NYPD's intelligence division focused far beyond New York City as part of a surveillance program targeting Muslims.”  The actions violated the basic rights to privacy for many students attending colleges and universities throughout New York.  For more information on the article, click here.

ADC Michigan Meets With Delegation From Greece

On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, ADC Michigan regional Director and Sr. National Advisor, Imad Hamad, met with a delegation from Greece (President of the Immigration Union of Greece NGO, Advisor to the Minster of education on religious affairs and legal Advisor to Greek ministry of Foreign Affairs) whose topic of discussion was mainly Integration of Migrant Muslim Youth. The delegation was visiting the Metro Detroit area as part of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs International Leadership Program thorough the International Visitors Council (IVC), in an effort to learn more about the Integration of Migrant Muslim Youth.  The delegation’s main objective for the meeting with ADC Michigan was to better understand its role in the community; including its initiatives and the types of discrimination cases ADC handles.  The delegation was also interested in learning more about the U.S. systems of government, how to advance diversity, civil rights protections for minorities and immigrants, as well as the social activities involved in integrating minority youth.

ADC Michigan Salutes Congressmen J. Conyers &  Congressman Howard Berman

ADC Michigan expresses its great appreciation to Congressman J. Conyers, Ranking Member- House Committee of Judiciary and Congressman Howard Berman, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for their leadership in support of the ADC request of the Obama administration and the Department of Homeland security to grant the Temporary Protective Status (TPS) to the nationals of Syria due to unforeseen developments in Syria. Both Congressmen Conyers and Berman wrote a letter to President Obama urging him to grant this temporary protective status as they expressed their serious concerns regarding the escalation of violence in Syria and the ramifications that they may face upon being forced to return.

The Islamic Movement And The Arab Spring: After One Year

On Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 4:30pm, the Arabic Flagship Program at the University of Michigan will present: Islamic Movement And The Arab Spring: After One Year. This Arabic Flagship Lecture Series will include guest speakers from Libya, Egypt, Bahrain, and Yemen. This event is free and open to the public. A gallery with pictures from Bahrain’s Revolution will be displayed at this event. The event will take place at Auditorium 4, Modern Languages Building, located at 812 East Washington, Ann Arbor MI, 48109. For more information about the U-M Arabic Language Flagship Program, please call (734) 763-8177.

“Teach-in” on the Israel/Palestine Conflict and the Global Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) Movement

On Thursday, February 23,2012there will be two “Teach-in” events taking place discussing the Israel/Palestine Conflict and the Global Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) Movement.  The teach-in will address the current state of the Israel/Palestine conflict and efforts to achieve peace in the region.  The events will take place from 12:15–1:15 pm at the Patriarch Auditorium in the Law School of Wayne State University (471 W. Palmer, Detroit, MI 48202) and from 6:00-7:00pm at the Hope United Methodist Church (26275 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48076).  Phyllis Bennis, Fellow with the Institute for Policy Studies, Washington D.C. will be the guest speaker for the event.

American Arab Woman's Network-AAWCN to host  International Woman Day reception

On Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 5:00PM,  The American Arab Woman's Network-AAWCN will be hosting a special reception celebrating the International Woman Day at Byblos Banquet Hall in Dearborn. Ticket donation is $35.00. Program will include dinner and a memorable program. For more information please call Dr. Katato at 248-892-0793

International Women’s Day Celebration with ADC Women’s Initiative

The ADC Women’s Initiative is a collaborative formed by 60 Arab American women across the nation to recognize Arab American women and their leadership in supporting the mission of ADC.  Their first event in Michigan will be in honor of International Women’s Day and filled with music and entertainment.  It will be held on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 5:00pm, at Regency Hall in Southfield, MI.  For more information, contact Amal David atamaldavid1@gmail.com.