When Hate Comes from Within:
MPAC Condemns Divisive Attacks at Senate Hearing on Hate Crimes
Republican Senators, including Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, John Kennedy, and Ranking Member Lindsey Graham derailed the hearing by engaging in attacks against the only Muslim/Arab American woman witness. In what should have been a focused and constructive discussion on the critical issue of rising hate crimes instead devolved into a platform for inflammatory rhetoric and hate fueled, personal attacks. Maya Berry, a respected civil rights leader and Co-Chair of the Hate Crimes Task Force at The Leadership Conference for Civil and Human Rights, was repeatedly subjected to contemptuous questioning and unfounded Islamophobic accusations.
Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | September 17, 2024 — The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) expresses disgust and profound disappointment over the conduct of Republican Senators during today’s “A Threat to Justice Everywhere: Stemming the Tide of Hate Crimes in America” Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, which was convened to address the alarming rise in hate crimes targeting Muslim, Jewish, and other minority communities across the United States. Rather than find solutions to the rising tide of hate impacting communities across the nation, Republican Senators used this platform to launch unprovoked and baseless attacks against Witness Maya Berry, and Pro-Palestinian student protestors advocating for justice and human rights.
The Senators also levied unfounded attacks against student protestors advocating for Palestinian rights on campuses. Senators, including Ted Cruz, falsely accused student organizations of being “PR agents for Hamas” and suggested, without evidence, that Pro-Palestinian protestors are influenced by foreign governments such as Russia and Iran. These reckless and inflammatory remarks not only seek to silence peaceful dissent but also undermine the First Amendment rights of students to engage in protest. Such rhetoric wrongfully demonizes those exercising their constitutional rights to express their views on critical international issues.
We stand in support of Maya Berry, whose leadership and dedication to advancing civil rights have been instrumental in addressing hate crimes across the nation. Her presence at today’s hearing was critical, and the unwarranted attacks and defamation of character she endured from certain Senators were entirely unacceptable. Ms. Berry’s tireless efforts in advocating for the safety and rights of all Americans reflect the values that this hearing should have upheld.
Moreover, MPAC also reaffirms its support for the students who have been unjustly and maliciously targeted by these Senators. The right to protest and speak out against injustice is a fundamental principle of American democracy. These students, who are advocating for justice in Palestine and raising awareness about the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy, must be protected. MPAC stands with them in defending their First Amendment rights and condemns any attempt to marginalize or criminalize their peaceful activism.
The Muslim Public Affairs Council remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting justice, protecting civil rights, and advocating for a future where all communities can live free from fear and discrimination.
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
