February 24, 2021

Washington, D.C. | mpac.org | February 24, 2021 – The Muslim Public Affairs Council denounces recent vitriol against Biden Administration appointees and officials. President Joseph R. Biden has built an administration that is arguably the most diverse in American history. The appointees he has selected are capable, skilled, and qualified for their respective positions. MPAC rejects the weaponization of platforms - political or otherwise - to perpetuate anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic, bigoted, and racist views against Biden appointees, particularly those from communities of color. 

These nominees and appointees, through their diversity, bring in unique perspectives and experiences from communities directly impacted by the issues our nation is currently grappling with. In clear disregard of their qualifications for the task at hand, these recent appointees have come under attack from right-wing political circles and media. In November 2020, Reema Dodin, the Deputy Director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, faced anti-Arab and anti-Muslim criticism from far-right personalities like Pamela Gellar. Uzra Zeya, who has been nominated to serve as Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights in the Biden Administration, has also been a victim of a smear campaign. Similarly, Maher Bitar, in the National Security Council, and Hady Amr, in the State Department, have been accused of being “anti-Israel” for commenting on Palestinian rights. Even in the confirmation hearings, nominees of color like Xavier Becerra and Debbie Haaland have come under disproportionately greater scrutiny than their white counterparts.

The essence of the Republic, beginning with the Constitution, has been one aspiring to enact the ideals of a pluralistic society. At a time when our strides and gains seem to have reverted to a less tolerant time, President Biden's appointees represent the best of what our nation strives for. The path has been tenuous and tiresome, and the fight for equity continues until today. Having greater representation is beneficial to all Americans and it is imperative that our country's elected representatives work between party lines to usher in public servants who are more representative of the rich diversity of the populace.

American ideals dictate that a person’s creed or the color of their skin does not preclude them from qualifying for a position. God has created us all equal, and one’s eligibility for federal appointments should only include experience and achievements. Since its inception, MPAC has worked to ensure American Muslims have a seat at the table. For too long, we have been excluded from key decision-making positions that have a direct impact on American Muslim communities and on their ancestral homelands. We commend the Biden Administration’s appointments. For one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL, we must condemn the racist, anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic bigotry of those who work against rather for the advancement of our society. MPAC is monitoring this issue closely.