| Community Relations Service |
CRS HOSTS TRAINING SESSIONS FOR FEDERAL OFFICIALS ON WORKING EFFECTIVELY WITH ARAB AMERICANS, MUSLIMS AND SIKHS
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 9, 2001 |
CONTACT: JONATHAN CHACE 202/305-2935 CRS |
Washington, D.C. -- On October 1, the Community Relations Service (CRS) hosted the first of several training sessions to be conducted around the country on "Interfacing, Communicating, and Collaborating with Arab Americans, Muslims, and Sikhs." These training programs, conducted in conjunction with Connecting Cultures, Inc., the Arab American Institute, and the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force, provide Department of Justice and other Federal agency officials with basic cultural, religious, and background information helpful to those who work with these groups. The first training session was attended by more than 60 officials from 15 Federal agencies, as well as representatives from national and local organizations. "We recognize that the effectiveness of CRS and many other agencies depends upon having knowledge and understanding of people and their cultures, while dispelling stereotypes and other misinformation that would lead to an increase in community racial and ethnic tension. Before we can expect parties in conflict to understand each other, we, as Federal officials, need to take the first step," said Jonathan Chace, Acting Director of the Community Relations Service. This training is part of CRS’ conflict prevention program, involving outreach to national Arab American, Sikh, and Muslim organizations and communities. Officials from CRS, the FBI, and the Civil Rights Division have met with these groups regularly as part of Attorney General Ashcroft’s commitment that all allegations of violence or discrimination are addressed promptly and effectively. ###
Last Update October 22, 2001
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