Attorney General Merrick Garland Joins SMF and Civil Rights Groups in Meeting with DOJ on Voter Intimidation and Hate Crimes

Washington, D.C. – September 10, 2024 – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) participated in a meeting today with Attorney General Merrick Garland and representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division to address the growing concerns of voter intimidation and hate crimes targeting minority communities. The meeting, held in Washington, D.C., brought together civil rights organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), Muslim Advocates, and the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU).

Attorney General Garland emphasized his commitment to fighting hate crimes and protecting vulnerable communities. The Department of Justice is resolute in its efforts to disrupt, deter, and punish the perpetrators of hate crimes, Garland reported.

The conversation focused on the DOJ’s year-round efforts to combat voter suppression, especially among minority populations. DOJ officials highlighted the coordination with an FBI Command Center to ensure rapid response to voter intimidation on Election Day, while also emphasizing that these protective measures are part of a continuous effort to safeguard democratic processes.

In addition to voting rights, the meeting covered strategies to address hate crimes, underscoring the need to disrupt, deter, and hold accountable those who commit such acts. The DOJ reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities and law enforcement to ensure that minority groups are protected from acts of hate and intimidation.

As part of the discussion, participants, including the Shia Muslim Foundation, were invited to join a broader voting rights task force aimed at fostering collaboration between advocacy groups, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to develop strategies that ensure the protection of voting rights across the country.

"The work of this task force is essential to upholding the integrity of our democracy and ensuring that all voices can be heard, especially those of vulnerable communities," said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation. "We look forward to contributing to these efforts alongside our civil rights partners and the Department of Justice."

For more information on SMF’s advocacy work and efforts to protect voter rights, please visit www.shiamuslimfoundation.com.

SMF Joins Collaborative Efforts to Address Elder Financial Exploitation Highlighted in Recent CFPB Meeting

Washington, DC - July 30, 2024 - In a significant step towards combating elder financial exploitation, a recent meeting convened by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from faith-based organizations - including the Shia Muslim Foundation, community leaders, and elder advocacy groupsThe meeting aimed to address the critical need for education and resources to support clergy and older adults in identifying and reporting elder abuse.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the limited training clergy receive on elder abuse, particularly financial exploitation. Despite frequently encountering such cases, many clergy view them as isolated incidents rather than recognizing the broader patterns of abuse. Participants underscored the necessity of educating clergy on elder abuse reporting requirements and available resources to ensure they are better equipped to protect vulnerable older adults within their congregations.

The meeting also highlighted the powerful impact of peer education among older adults. An inspiring example shared involved a group of women at a church who successfully intervened when one of their peers was targeted by a gift card scam, a common tactic in financial exploitation. This story underscores the importance of collaboration between clergy and older adults to raise awareness and prevent abuse within faith communities.

However, reluctance to report elder abuse remains a challenge for many clergy. Concerns about overstepping the autonomy of older adults and potential consequences of reporting were discussed. The need to balance respecting the agency of older adults while helping them recognize and address abuse was emphasized.

Another key point was the widespread misunderstanding of Adult Protective Services (APS). APS representatives clarified that their primary focus is on the wishes of the older adult, with most cases being voluntary and emphasizing confidentiality. APS aims to empower older adults rather than diminish their decision-making capabilities.

The desire to maintain trust within the community, especially when the perpetrator is a known member, further complicates reporting. A lack of understanding about what constitutes elder abuse and the associated shame were identified as barriers that need to be addressed through education and awareness initiatives.

Faith communities often focus on the struggles of perpetrators rather than recognizing the abuse itself. For example, a relative who exploits an older adult during a time of grief might be viewed as someone with broader life issues rather than an abuser. Elevating the importance of addressing elder abuse within faith communities is crucial.

Isolation tactics used in elder abuse, such as restricting the older adult's involvement in the congregation, pose additional challenges for clergy in identifying and addressing abuse. Equitable financial exploitation, including reverse mortgages and deceptive financial products, has particularly impacted immigrant families, highlighting the need for targeted education and support.

Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation, emphasized the importance of this meeting, stating, "Addressing elder financial exploitation is crucial for the well-being of our community. This meeting with the CFPB has provided valuable insights and resources that will empower clergy and community leaders to better protect our older adults. Collaboration and education are key to ensuring that our elders can live with dignity and security."

The CFPB meeting marks a significant step forward in the fight against elder financial exploitation, fostering collaboration and providing essential resources to support and protect older adults within faith communities.

SMF Participates in TSA Disability and Multicultural Coalition Engagement Meeting

(Washington, DC - June 20, 2024) Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation, attended the "TSA Disability and Multicultural Coalition Engagement" meeting today. The meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss advancements and challenges in TSA’s technology and procedures, focusing on accessibility, privacy, and security.

Future Technology Development

An speaker from the Innovation Task Force outlined cutting-edge technologies, many of which have been in development for over five years, now ready for pilot testing.

TSA Facial Recognition Technology

Mark Lerro addressed the deployment of facial recognition technology at airport checkpoints, explaining its optional use and the procedures ensuring privacy and accuracy. He emphasized that the technology assists officers but does not replace their judgment, with traveler photos deleted post-verification.

TSA Self-Service Screening Initiatives

Michelle Tomerlin highlighted TSA's self-service screening pilot in Las Vegas and the development of the MicroEgg system. She also mentioned upcoming projects for translation apps to aid in communication for officers and travelers.

DHS S&T Evaluation of Biometric Technologies

Arun Vemuri from DHS S&T discussed the evaluation of biometric technologies, addressing performance concerns across diverse demographics and the development of standardized test methods in collaboration with international bodies.

Ensuring Technologies Work for All

The goal is to develop technologies that are fast, user-friendly, and non-intrusive. Efforts are being made to ensure these technologies accommodate all travelers, including those with disabilities or medical devices.

TSA Cares Program

The TSA Cares program was discussed as a vital resource for travelers with disabilities or medical conditions. Personal stories highlighted the positive impact of the program, emphasizing the need for continued support and enhancements.

Partnerships and Future Improvements

The meeting acknowledged the importance of ongoing partnerships between TSA and advocacy organizations to drive improvements in security screening. Input from represented communities is crucial for the success of these initiatives.

Upcoming TSA Coalition Conference

An announcement was made for the annual TSA coalition conference, scheduled for the week of September 23rd. Stakeholders are invited to test new screening technologies and provide feedback before deployment.

Conclusion

Mr. Husain expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts and the comprehensive discussions aimed at improving TSA technologies and procedures. The Shia Muslim Foundation remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of all communities, ensuring equitable and efficient security screening processes.

About Shia Muslim Foundation

The Shia Muslim Foundation, founded in 2020, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the civic rights of American Shia Muslims and advocating on social and political issues. The foundation promotes the rights and welfare of Shia Muslims globally, addressing challenges faced by the community and fostering understanding between Shia and Sunni Muslims.