Muslim Student Response to Recent Arrests
Muslim Students Association
http://www.msa-national.org/media/pressreleases/022503.html
Tampa- February 21, 2003

Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentleman.

Thank you for coming on such short notice.

We greet you with the Islamic words, Assalamu Alaikum, Peace be upon you.

We first begin by stating that we do not speak on behalf of USF faculty, staff or administration.

We are not here to declare the guilt or innocence of those arrested.

We come before you today on behalf of the Muslim Student Association at USF as well as the National Muslim Student Association of the U.S. and Canada to express our shock, deep concern, and plea for justice regarding the recent arrests of two USF Professors, Dr. Sami Al-Arian and Sameeh Hammoudeh, as well as Hatim Fariz.

As practitioners of the religion of Islam, we condemn terrorism in all of its forms. It reads in the Holy Quran: “To kill one person is as if you have killed all of humanity.” Chapter 5, verse 32

We call for a fair, just and equal trial for all those arrested. As Muslims, we do not ask for special treatment, but simply equal treatment under the law. We ask that the judicial system hold true to the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” Proven guilt does not include secret hearings or secret evidence. We ask that the government and FBI prove their case against those arrested with credible and supported evidence to be released to the public. This press conference is about due process and restoring the public, especially the American- Muslim community’s, perception of fair play within the system.

Americans should be concerned about their deteriorating judicial system. America has always been proud of its constitution and democracy, founded upon the principle that “All men are created equal,”
that they should not be discriminated against regardless of color, sex, national origin, or religion

This case does not simply concern American Muslims, but is important to all minority groups. The Patriot Act is an infringement upon our American Civil Liberties. It may be the Muslims affected by it today, but who will it be tomorrow?

We are concerned that the USF Professors were arrested for their political views. We are frightened that Muslims will fear speaking up for their rights and what they believe in for fear of backlash from the government or the American public. We are Americans too, and just like everyone else, our ideas and beliefs add to the diversity that makes up this great democracy.

As students, we are saddened by the loss of two Muslim professors on campus. Professors Sami and Sameeh added to the diversity of the campus experience. Diversity is essential in receiving a balanced education.
We hope this case will have no impact on university hiring of other Muslim professors. Their presence on campus helps not only with our diversity but also provides us with good role models

To the families of Sami, father of five; Sameeh, father of six; and Hatim, father of two, we express our solidarity and best wishes through this difficult endeavor.

And finally, we ask all arrested to stay strong, and for Sami to end his hunger strike. We pray that justice will prevail.

Thank you.

God Bless.