Community Relations Service

CRS SPONSORS BRIEFING ON THE USA PATRIOT ACT FOR
ARAB AMERICANS AND MUSLIM LEADERS

           WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Community Relations Service sponsored a briefing on the USA Patriot Act for Arab American and Muslim leaders. Officials from the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Criminal Division, Civil Rights Division, and the Office of Legal Policy briefed representatives from a variety of Arab American and Muslim groups. The briefing was moderated by CRS Director Sharee M. Freeman.

          "CRS' service in improving racial and ethnic relations between law enforcement and the Arab American, Muslim, and Sikh communities will continue to be the highest priority in the post-September 11 period. CRS' outreach activities to these communities are essential elements in fulfilling the President's and the Attorney General's vision of peaceful communities for all Americans," said CRS Director Sharee M. Freeman.

           Attorney General Ashcroft asked CRS to sponsor the briefing as part of his commitment to make officials available to Arab American and Muslim leaders to respond to community concerns about Justice Department policies. Since September 11, 2001, the Community Relations Service has helped Federal, State, and local officials to reduce tensions between law enforcement and Arab American, Muslim, and Sikh communities.

           For more information about the Community Relations Service, a unique racial conflict resolution and prevention agency of the U.S. Department of Justice, please see its web site: www.usdoj.gov/crs