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Press Release

EEOC TO RECEIVE 'FRIEND IN GOVERNMENT' AWARD FROM AMERICAN-ARAB ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMITTEE

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

PRESS RELEASE
10-1-04

Influential Civil Rights Group Thanks Commission for its 'Landmark Contributions'

DEARBORN, Michigan On Saturday evening, October 2, Cari M. Dominguez, Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), will accept the distinguished "Friend In Government" award from the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), a prominent national civil rights advocacy group, at the ADC's annual banquet at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan.

The award is being presented to the Commission for the agency's sustained and visible efforts, especially that of its Detroit District Office, to prevent and remedy employment discrimination against Arabs and Muslims particularly related to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. ADC's event, which is open to the news media, will include hundreds of attendees including the First Lady of the State of Qatar, in addition to federal, state and local government officials and be emceed by WDIV-TV News 4 anchor Carmen Harlan.

"As a governmental organization, the EEOC had made landmark contributions to the many causes that ADC champions," said Imad Hamad, ADC's Michigan Director, "specifically, in its commitment to reach out to the community and assist the ADC in addressing abuses and alleged acts of discrimination. The EEOC's role within the Arab-American community in the aftermath of September 11 is noteworthy and exemplary. ADC is honored and privileged to have such a committed and devoted federal agency as a partner to help us carry out our mission of greater understanding."

EEOC Chair Dominguez said: "I want to extend the Commission's gratitude to the American-Arab Anti- Discrimination Committee for working closely with the EEOC in Michigan and elsewhere both before and after the tragic events of 9/11. The EEOC is proud to call the ADC a friend and partner in our continuing efforts to eliminate workplace bias against the thriving Arab and Muslim population in Dearborn and communities across the country."

The ADC emphasized the significant role played by the EEOC's Detroit District Office in reaching out to the large Arab and Muslim community in Dearborn. James R. Neely, Jr., Director of the agency's Detroit District Office, said: "EEOC is proud to receive this award which recognizes our efforts to be a presence in the community and our efforts to promote equal employment opportunities to all."

Immediately following the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the EEOC launched a vigorous national enforcement, education and outreach campaign to address harassment and discrimination against individuals who are or are perceived to be Arab, Muslim, Afghani, Middle Eastern, South Asian or Sikh, as well as those who faced retaliation in the workplace related to the events of 9/11. Among the many actions taken by EEOC in the wake of 9/11 were:

  • Established a new tracking code in EEOC's national charge data base to closely monitor 9/11 backlash charge filings.
  • Processed and resolved more than 900 charges of discrimination related to 9/11, litigated 15 cases, and obtained a total of approximately $3.2 million dollars for aggrieved individuals (between 9/11/01 and 9/11/04).
  • Coordinated with sister agencies at the Departments of Justice and Labor to issue a joint statement calling on employers to promote tolerance and guard against discrimination.
  • Conducted a national media campaign through press releases and interviews that resulted in dozens of stories in media outlets nationwide, including the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Business Week, CBS News Radio and MSNBC.
  • Formed or reinvigorated partnerships with Arab and Muslim advocacy groups such as the ADC and other organizations.
  • Issued fact sheets, brochures, and Q&A documents in English and Arabic explaining how the federal anti-discrimination laws apply to post-9/11 backlash discrimination and outlining employer responsibilities.
  • Translated EEOC brochures into Arabic and made presentations at Mosques, as well as to business, labor and civil rights groups about employee rights and employer responsibilities under the federal employment anti-discrimination laws.

Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov. Additional information about the ADC is available on its web site at www.adc.org.

This page was last modified on October 1, 2004.