US Muslims join calls for police reforms
In the wake of George Floyd’s death in police custody, dozens of Muslim organizations in the United States have come together to call for reform to policing practices and to support Black-led organizations.
In the wake of George Floyd’s death in police custody, dozens of Muslim organizations in the United States have come together to call for reform to policing practices and to support Black-led organizations.
“The victimization of unarmed Black Muslims has a long and troubling history,” said a coalition statement signed by more than 90 civil rights, advocacy, community and faith organizations and released on Monday. “As American Muslims, we will draw on our diversity, our strength, and our resilience to demand these reforms because Black lives matter.”
Proposed changes include prohibiting racial profiling and maneuvers that restrict the flow of blood or oxygen to the brain, such as chokeholds; making it legally easier for prosecutors to hold law enforcement accountable; and redirecting police funding “into community health, education, employment and housing programs”.
The statement also calls for the establishment of “a federal standard that use of force be reserved as a last resort, only when absolutely necessary” and after exhausting all reasonable options.
“These demands are a floor for our groups and not a ceiling. Some would call for much more,” said Farhana Khera, executive director of Muslim Advocates, one of the statement’s co-conveners.
“We’re also urging all American Muslims to call their members of Congress right now and to demand a stronger response from them.”
Like members of other faith groups, many Muslims in the US have joined in the outrage unleashed after Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee to his neck.
Groups from multiple denominations across faiths have publicly called for action against racism and aligned with the goals of peaceful demonstrators.
In street protests, statements, sermons and webinars, US Muslims have rallied against racism and discussed reforms.
