FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON -- The American Civil Liberties Union today joined authorities from around the country in urging tolerance and respect for everyone in America in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington and urged police officials across the country to respond quickly to reports of violence or threats against all people.
"We are deeply disturbed about the increasing reports of violence and threats against Muslims, Arab Americans, Sikhs and other ethnic and religious minorities that we've seen in communities across the country," said Anthony Romero, ACLU Executive Director.
"At the same time," Romero continued, "we are also gratified when we see police officials take these reports seriously and move to protect everyone in America."
The media have reported attacks against Muslims and Arabs in communities across the country, including bullets fired at an Islamic center in Irving, CA, and windows broken at the Muslim Students Association at Wayne State University. An Islamic bookstore owner in Alexandria, VA, arrived to work to find two bricks thrown through his store's windows.
In response, ACLU offices across the country said they are working with Arab American groups in their states and cities to find out how they can best address the threats of violence. Romero said that the ACLU would give high priority to reports of non-responsiveness by law enforcement.
But in places in Broward and Palm Beach counties in Florida, law enforcement officials quickly offered special security for local mosques soon after the terrorist attacks. "We want people to recognize that we're willing to defend these institutions," Broward County Sheriff Ken Jenne told a local news conference.
President Bush has also urged tolerance. "Our nation must be mindful that there are thousands of Arab-Americans that live in New York City who love the flag just as much," Bush said, echoing earlier comments by New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani who earlier this week said, "Hatred, prejudice and anger is what caused this. We should act bravely and in a tolerant way."
"The terrorists," added Illinois Governor George Ryan, "who committed these horrible acts would like nothing better to see us tear at the fiber of our democracy and to trample on the rights of other Americans."
