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Guest Name
Shereef Akeel
Shereef Akeel
Guest Occupation
Lawyer
Guest Biography

Akeel has been recognized as  a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the American Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA), a Lawyer of the Year by the Michigan Lawyers Weekly,  nominated in top 5% of attorneys in the State of Michigan by Law & Politics Super lawyer Magazine for 12 consecutive years, in addition to being nationally recognized by US News & World News Report as a Tier One - Civil Rights lawyer. 

 

Akeel has been involved in several high profile employment discrimination cases, where he has managed to obtain million dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients both in federal and state courts.  Akeel, has also filed class action lawsuits challenging the no-fly list, and interrogation procedures at the border.    Akeel has, also, taken his work internationally in filing human rights class action lawsuits on behalf of all of Iraqi detainees, who were tortured in Abu Gharib, and elsewhere by multi-billion dollar companies.

 

Akeel obtained his Bachelors Degree from the University of Michigan in 1987, and graduated from Detroit College of Law in 1996 (which merged with Michigan State University). Now, Akeel specializes in Employment law, Civil Rights, and Personal Injury. Akeel, also, has a CPA, and a Masters in Business Administration from Wayne State University.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations filed suit against the Trump administration on Monday on behalf of 20 people affected by the new restrictions on travel to the U.S. Separately, protests continued around the country as opponents faulted what they called Trump's de facto Muslim ban. The White House rejected any religious dimension to the ban and cited the small number of people it has affected.

Akeel will speak on this tonight.

VISION AND MISSION

CAIR's vision is to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding.

CAIR's mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. 

CORE PRINCIPLES

  1. CAIR supports free enterprise, freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

  2. CAIR is committed to protecting the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of faith.

  3. CAIR supports domestic policies that promote civil rights, diversity and freedom of religion.

  4. CAIR opposes domestic policies that limit civil rights, permit racial, ethnic or religious profiling, infringe on due process, or that prevent Muslims and others from participating fully in American civic life.

  5. CAIR is a natural ally of groups, religious or secular, that advocate justice and human rights in America and around the world.

  6. CAIR supports foreign policies that help create free and equitable trade, encourage human rights and promote representative government based on socio-economic justice.

  7. CAIR believes the active practice of Islam strengthens the social and religious fabric of our nation.

  8. CAIR condemns all acts of violence against civilians by any individual, group or state.

  9. CAIR advocates dialogue between faith communities both in America and worldwide.

  10. CAIR supports equal and complementary rights and responsibilities for men and women.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties organization, with regional offices nationwide. CAIR's national headquarters are on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

Since its establishment in 1994, CAIR has worked to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America. Through media relations, government relations, education and advocacy, CAIR puts forth an Islamic perspective to ensure the Muslim voice is represented. In offering this perspective, CAIR seeks to empower the American Muslim community and encourage their participation in political and social activism.

Civil Rights Work

CAIR's civil rights department counsels, mediates and advocates on behalf of Muslims and others who have experienced religious discrimination, defamation or hate crimes. The department works to protect and defend the constitutional rights of American Muslims, thereby supporting the rights of all Americans.

Government Affairs

CAIR's government affairs department conducts and organizes lobbying efforts on issues related to Islam and Muslims. The department monitors legislation and government activities and responds on behalf of the American Muslim community. CAIR representatives have testified before Congress and have sponsored a number of activities designed to bring Muslim concerns to Capitol Hill.

Media Relations

CAIR's communications department works with local and national media to ensure an accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims is presented to the American public. CAIR monitors local, national and international media, in part to challenge negative stereotypes, but also to applaud and encourage positive representations of Islam and Muslims. Over the years, CAIR has become a respected and credible source for journalists and other media professionals.

Action Alerts

In an effort to empower the American Muslim community, CAIR issues action alerts as a means of generating a grassroots response to critical political, social and media-related issues. These alerts have produced overwhelming results and have made a significant impact in bringing about change. CAIR also offers an email list designed to be a source of information and news for the American Muslim community. Subscribers to the CAIR e-mail lists receive news releases and other materials dealing with American Muslim positions on issues of importance.

Research

CAIR's research team conducts empirical research studies on subjects relevant to the American Muslim community, including gathering and analyzing data for the annual civil rights report. The North American Muslim Resource Guide: Muslim Community Life in the United States and Canada (Routledge) is a product of the research department.

Internships

CAIR offers internships to students or other interested individuals who wish to gain experience in media relations, political activism or civil rights work.

CAIR Publications

CAIR offers a variety of publications that address the needs and rights of American Muslims. These publications include guides for employers, educators, healthcare providers, correctional facilities, and law enforcement officials. CAIR also produces practical handbooks and resource materials for the Muslim community.

Education: Conferences, Seminars and Workshops

CAIR organizes regular conferences and training seminars for government and law enforcement agencies, media professionals and the academic community. These events are designed to present easily accessible and accurate information about Islam and Muslims. CAIR provides diversity training workshops to employers, educators, and organizations as a proactive approach that highlights relevant Islamic practices and offers suggestions for religious accommodation. CAIR also provides training for the Muslim community and activists in areas such as media relations, public speaking, lobbying, and civil rights.

Voter Registration

In order to increase Muslim participation in the political arena, CAIR and its chapters regularly sponsor voter registration drives across the country. To register to vote, visit our website.

Outreach and Interfaith Relations

Each year, groups representing people of all faiths visit CAIR offices to learn more about Islam and Muslims in America. Through these visits, as well as other interfaith initiatives, CAIR strives to educate others about Islam while building strong relationships with other faith communities.