[Archived] Alexandria Human Rights Commission Schedules Public Hearing on March 20 on Views of Muslims in Community

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	March 16, 2007 PIO# 069-07/rdo	Steve Mason, Director of Communications, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

Alexandria Human Rights Commission Schedules
Public Hearing on March 20 on Views of Muslims in Community

The Alexandria Human Rights Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 20, to hear from Imam Johari Abdul-Malik and local members of the Muslim community about their experiences since September 11, 2001, and their current views on how Muslims are perceived and treated in Alexandria and the region. The hearing will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at City Hall, 301 King St., in room 2000, during the Commission’s monthly meeting.

The Human Rights Commission and the Alexandria Office of Human Rights were established in 1975 to administer and enforce the provisions of the Human Rights Code and to recommend to City Council policies to advance human rights. The City is charged to assure that all persons have equal opportunity in and access to the areas of housing, employment, city contracts, health and social services, public accommodations, credit, and education without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, family status, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

The Commission conducts studies, holds hearings, makes recommendations, and reports to City Council and the City Manager on discrimination and social conditions that may lead to discrimination. The Commission and the Office of Human Rights provide information to the community about Alexandria's Human Rights Code and its protections and remedies, offer assistance to the business community to avoid discriminatory practices, and listen to issues and concerns in the community.

For more information on the public hearing, the Alexandria Human Rights Commission, and the Office of Human Rights, or to request reasonable ADA accommodations or a copy of the Alexandria Human Rights Code, call Jean Kelleher Niebauer, Director of the Office of Human Rights, at 703-838-6390, or e-mail jean.niebauer@alexandriava.gov.

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