Initiative to Combat Post-9/11 Discriminatory Backlash
The Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights
has directed the Civil Rights Division’s National Origin
Working Group to work proactively to combat violations of
civil rights laws against Arab, Muslim, Sikh, and South-Asian
Americans, and those perceived to be members of these groups,
through the creation of the Initiative to Combat Post-9/11
Discriminatory Backlash.
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, members
of these groups, and those perceived to be members of these
groups, have been the victims of increased numbers of bias-related
assaults, threats, vandalism and arson. Reducing the incidence
of such attacks, and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought
to justice, is a Civil Rights Division priority. The Division
also has placed a priority on cases involving discrimination
against Arab, Sikh, Muslim, and South-Asian Americans in
employment, housing, education, access to public accommodations
and facilities, and other areas within the Civil Rights Division’s
jurisdiction.
The Initiative is combating bias crimes and discrimination
by:
- Ensuring that there are efficient and accessible
processes in place for individuals to report violations
to the Civil Rights Division, and to make sure that these
cases are handled expeditiously.
- Implementing proactive measures to identify cases
involving bias crimes and discrimination being prosecuted
at the State level that may merit Federal action.
- Conducting outreach to affected communities to
provide them with information about how to file complaints
and the resources available through the Department of
Justice and other Federal agencies to protect their civil
rights.
- Working with other Department of Justice components and
other government agencies to ensure accurate referral, effective
outreach, and comprehensive provision of services to victims
of civil rights violations.
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Division Home Page
Updated July 25, 2008