Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
University of Pittsburgh Study Finds RSV Vaccination During Pregnancy Cuts Infant Hospitalizations by Nearly 70%
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, June 6 -- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center issued the following news release:
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University of Pittsburgh study finds RSV vaccination during pregnancy cuts infant hospitalizations by nearly 70%
A study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC published today in JAMA Network Open, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Medical Association, found that vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during pregnancy reduced the risk of hospitalization in young infants by nearly 70%.
This study provides early real-world evidence
... Show Full Article
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, June 6 -- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center issued the following news release:
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University of Pittsburgh study finds RSV vaccination during pregnancy cuts infant hospitalizations by nearly 70%
A study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC published today in JAMA Network Open, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Medical Association, found that vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during pregnancy reduced the risk of hospitalization in young infants by nearly 70%.
This study provides early real-world evidencefrom U.S. clinical care, showing that administering one dose of the maternal RSV vaccine (RSVpreF vaccine) reduces hospitalization related to RSV in young infants. The results are consistent with findings from RSVpreF vaccine clinical trials. The RSVpreF vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2023.
Among infants younger than 3 months, maternal vaccination was associated with approximately 68% effectiveness against hospitalization for respiratory illness caused by RSV, and 69% effectiveness against more severe lung infections also caused by the virus.
"We designed this study to focus on what matters most to families: whether their baby might end up in the hospital," said lead author of the study, Anne-Marie Rick, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of pediatrics and clinical and translational science at Pitt School of Medicine and a physician at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. "The findings show a significant impact for families and for the health system, and it highlights how effective this intervention can be during the most vulnerable months of life."
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 2 to 3 out of every 100 babies younger than 3 months are hospitalized each year due to RSV, with severe cases sometimes requiring oxygen support or mechanical ventilation. Until the RSVpreF vaccine's approval, there was no reliable way to protect healthy newborns from RSV starting at birth.
The study analyzed health records from infants 90 days old or younger who were hospitalized for respiratory illness in Western Pennsylvania during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 RSV seasons. Researchers focused on infants who were tested for RSV and compared outcomes between those whose mothers received the vaccine during pregnancy and those whose mothers did not. Infants who received monoclonal antibody protection -- a separate RSV prevention option administered after birth -- were excluded.
Studying the real-world impact of maternal vaccination presents a logistical challenge because it requires linking medical records from mothers and their infants, which are typically stored as separate patient records. Using integrated health data across UPMC's Western Pennsylvania network, researchers were able to connect these records and evaluate outcomes more comprehensively. "UPMC is really a unique place where we can do this type of work, as our connected system allows us to do it across a large population while maintaining the necessary rigor," added Rick.
How the vaccine protects newborns
Maternal RSV vaccination stimulates the pregnant person's immune system to produce antibodies against RSV. These antibodies cross the placenta before birth, helping protect infants from birth throughout early infancy, when they are most vulnerable. The vaccine is recommended between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Because RSV is seasonal, the vaccine is typically given between September and January in most of the United States, according to the CDC.
Moreover, infants who are not protected at birth -- either because their mothers did not receive the vaccine or received it too close to delivery for antibodies to be fully transferred --can receive a monoclonal antibody treatment after birth to prevent RSV. Clinical guidance recommends that infants receive one form of protection; both are generally not needed together.
"A few years ago, we didn't have any options to prevent RSV in newborns," said Rick. "Now we have two approaches -- vaccination during pregnancy and antibody protection after birth -- that give families and clinicians different ways to protect infants during their most vulnerable months."
Tracking long-term effectiveness across RSV seasons
The results are part of an ongoing four-year study to evaluate the effectiveness of maternal RSV vaccination across multiple seasons. Researchers will continue to follow patients during the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 RSV seasons, expanding the analysis to include infants up to 180 days old and assessing how long protection lasts.
"We're continuing to follow patients to understand how well this protection holds over time and across different groups," said Rick. "These kinds of real-world data are critical for helping families, clinicians, and policymakers make informed decisions about how best to protect infants."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How effective is the RSV vaccine given during pregnancy?
A: This study suggests among infants younger than 3 months, the vaccine was 68% effectiveness against hospitalization for respiratory illness caused by RSV, and 69% effectiveness against more severe lung illness also caused by the virus.
Q: When during pregnancy should someone get the RSV vaccine?
A: The vaccine is recommended between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, during RSV season (September through January in most of the United States), so antibodies have time to transfer to the baby before birth.
Q: Does a baby still need an RSV shot after birth if the mother was vaccinated?
A: In most cases, no. If the mother received the RSV vaccine at least 14 days before delivery, the infant typically does not need a separate monoclonal antibody. If the mother was not vaccinated, or the baby was born within 14 days of vaccination, the infant should receive a monoclonal after birth if they are born during RSV season.
Additional Resources
* Published study: Maternal Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Vaccination and Acute Respiratory Illness in Infants
* More information about Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) (https://www.upmc.com/conditions/r/rsv)
* A Parent's Guide to Respiratory Illnesses in Kids (https://share.upmc.com/2025/09/respiratory-virus-guide-parents/)
Additional authors include Additional authors include Jessica Kerr, M.P.H., Hui Liu, M.S, Guan Yu, Ph.D., Jonathan Hui, M.S., Chung-Chou Chang, Ph.D., Nicole Fazio, D.N.P., Rachael Bieltz, M.P.H., Anjani Ravindra, M.D., Christina Megli, M.D., Ph.D., Arun Jeyabalan, M.D., M.S., Judith Martin, M.D., all from Pitt or UPMC. Jennifer Deese, Ph.D., M.P.H., Sarah Pugh, Ph.D., M.P.H., Divya Patel, M.S., Rong Fan, Ph.D., Jessica E. Atwell, M.P.H., Ph.D., Alejandro Cane, M.D. from Pfizer Inc. And Muhammad Tahir, M.D. from Mercy Catholic Medical Center. Funding for the study was provided by Pfizer Inc through a collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh. This work was also supported by REDCap and NIH and the Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute at the University of Pittsburgh (UL1-TR-001857).
Conflict of Interest: Rick reported receiving grant support from Pfizer Inc during the conduct of the study and personal fees and serving as site principal investigator (PI) for a vaccine trial from Pfizer Inc outside the submitted work. Liu, Fazio, Ravindra and Jeyabalan reported receiving grant support from Pfizer Inc during the conduct of the study. Martin reported receiving support for vaccine research paid to her institution from Vaxcyte Inc, the NIH, and Leidos Holdings Inc outside the submitted work.
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Original text here: https://www.upmc.com/media/news/060526-maternal-rsv-vaccine-cuts-infant-hospitalizations
[Category: Health Care]
FFRF Action Fund: 'Theocrat' Indiana Lt. Gov. Calls Islam a 'Demonic Death Cult'
MADISON, Wisconsin, June 6 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news on June 5, 2026:
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'Theocrat' Indiana Lt. Gov. calls Islam a 'demonic death cult'
The FFRF Action Fund names Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith as its "Theocrat of the Week" for his violent anti-Muslim rhetoric.
Beckwith professed that Americans should be given "permission to hate again" and called Islam a "demonic death cult" during
... Show Full Article
MADISON, Wisconsin, June 6 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news on June 5, 2026:
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'Theocrat' Indiana Lt. Gov. calls Islam a 'demonic death cult'
The FFRF Action Fund names Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith as its "Theocrat of the Week" for his violent anti-Muslim rhetoric.
Beckwith professed that Americans should be given "permission to hate again" and called Islam a "demonic death cult" duringa recent appearance on "FlashPoint," a biblical commentary podcast that features conservative Christian politicians and influencers. Beckwith has a long history of portraying Islam as a threat to the United States.
In the podcast episode, when Brian Gibson, another Christian nationalist pastor, said that Islam is "incompatible with a constitutional republic that is built on the word of God" and must be banned, Beckwith enthusiastically agreed, claiming that hatred of Islam is essential to saving the nation.
"We're giving people permission to hate again. I know that sounds a little harsh at first. We've seen this movement to eradicate hate in our culture; that is the worst thing we could do," the lieutenant governor sermonized. "The Bible talks about how God hates certain things and when we say we want to eradicate hate -- think about this -- we're actually saying we want to eradicate a characteristic of God. Hate is not the opposite of love; indifference is the opposite of love."
"So when I talk about this, I say, 'Guys, we need to, in Indiana, we need to hate.'" Turning specifically to Islam, Beckwith said, "If radical jihadi mindset starts coming into our state, I'm going to hate it, and I'm going to hate it with everything that I am and I'm going to call on others to hate it because I hate Islam. It's a demonic death cult."
He added, "I love Muslims because they make great Christians when Jesus gets a hold of them, but I hate Islam and we need to be okay with hating again."
In response to backlash, Beckwith doubled down on social media, writing on X, "On the close of Eid, after much prayer and consideration after my recent interview, I would like [to] take this opportunity to wish all Muslims in Indiana the best," referring to the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, "And by best I mean I hope you all become Christian."
Beckwith recently appeared on "The Todd Huff Show," another conservative Christian podcast, to discuss the "fantastic" backlash. "For every negative hostile comment I get or message I get ... I'm getting, I would say, four to five that are positive." He then detailed the support he received after speaking at an education conference in Michigan, with people reportedly saying, "'Hey, thank you. We saw what you did. We see the stand you're taking. We're with you. We support you. Don't back down.'"
Beckwith thinks that anti-Islam rhetoric is a "winning issue" for the religious right. He said to Huff, "I didn't say this whole thing on Islam for political reasons, but I will tell you right now, this is a political winner."
"If you're a conservative and you want to rally the base and the majority of people to support you in politics -- if this was for political expediency -- take a stand against Islam," he continued. "This is just a winning issue for America. It's not because Americans hate Muslims; it's because we recognize the wicked ideology and a lot of people just don't know how to address it."
About dealing with the backlash, Beckwith said, "I'm like, 'I'm doing great. I love it. I think this is fantastic.' This is exactly what I got elected to do, and I'm doing it and I'm not going to back down."
Beckwith has continually warned about the supposed threat of "radical Islam" in the United States, proposing the need for an outright ban on Shariah law and arguing that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has no right to "force his [Muslim] values on New York" because "we are a Christian nation." He also recently said that U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind., needs to find Jesus, professing, "You'll be a better U.S. representative if you do that, because you'll actually be governing from a place of truth, rather than a place of lies."
In a December appearance on "FlashPoint," Beckwith postulated that there was a "seven step plan" for "radical Islam" to take over America and said the Book of Revelation foretells Islamic extremism and the beheading of Christians who refuse to "bow" to it.
Beckwith is a staunch Christian nationalist, openly embracing the label, and is a pastor at an evangelical church in Indiana. In his role as lieutenant governor, he has boosted initiatives to expand the role of religious institutions in civic life, including pastoral roundtables and a joint effort with the attorney general's office to produce a "Churches' Bill of Rights" resource.
Beckwith has now earned his third stint as "Theocrat." The lieutenant governor was first named "Theocrat" for his argument that abortion bans should only include rape exceptions if the rapist is executed for causing an abortion and therefore killing an innocent life. His second "Theocrat" title was for his appearance on an extremist anti-immigration podcast, where he insisted that the United States is a Christian nation with a Christian heritage.
The FFRF Action Fund chastises Beckwith for his overt Christian nationalism and demonization of Islam and for his use of hateful rhetoric as a tool to prop up his extreme religious beliefs.
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FFRF Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. It also advocates for the rights and views of nonbelievers, endorses candidates for political office, and publicizes the views of elected officials concerning religious liberty issues.
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Original text here: https://ffrfaction.org/theocrat-indiana-lt-gov-calls-islam-a-demonic-death-cult/
[Category: Sociological]
FFRF Action Fund: 'Secularist' USDA Employees Sue Over Forced Religion in the Workplace
MADISON, Wisconsin, June 6 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news on June 5, 2026:
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'Secularist' USDA employees sue over forced religion in the workplace
The FFRF Action Fund salutes the U.S. Department of Agriculture employees who are suing the agency for unlawful proselytization and bestows on them its "Secularists of the Week" award.
In May, seven federal employees, along with the National Federation
... Show Full Article
MADISON, Wisconsin, June 6 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news on June 5, 2026:
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'Secularist' USDA employees sue over forced religion in the workplace
The FFRF Action Fund salutes the U.S. Department of Agriculture employees who are suing the agency for unlawful proselytization and bestows on them its "Secularists of the Week" award.
In May, seven federal employees, along with the National Federationof Federal Employees union, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against the USDA over Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins' incessant proselytizing. The lawsuit cites a series of "increasingly proselytizing" emails that were routinely sent to the agency's employees, in a stark violation of the First Amendment.
The lawsuit responds to an Easter message that Rollins sent to employees in April, which the plaintiffs call "unconstitutionally coercive," since it sought "to impose her brand of Christianity on the agency's 100,000 employees."
"We work for the federal government, not a church. I just want to go to work and make my country better -- I shouldn't have to suffer through sermons and other religious messages forced upon me by the head of a federal agency," said one of the plaintiffs, Ethan Roberts, an atheist and a physical science technician at USDA. "When the secretary sends an email, I have to read it. And when those emails are telling me what to believe, they make me feel unwelcome in an agency I've dedicated 10 years to."
The lawsuit implores the court to stop department officials from "continuing to send or otherwise communicate proselytizing Christian messages to USDA employees," calling it a "clear violation" of the First Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act.
The lawsuit reads, "Secretary Rollins' practice and policy of subjecting agency employees to proselytizing messages conveys the expectation that USDA employees share in the secretary's religious beliefs, even when doing so would betray an employee's own beliefs. It is exactly the sort of government-sponsored religious coercion, religious sermonizing and denominational preference that the Establishment Clause prohibits."
"The denominational favoritism conveyed in Secretary Rollins' communications indoctrinates USDA employees and has caused them to feel coerced, unwelcome, excluded and like outsiders to the agency," the lawsuit continues. "Crucially, Secretary Rollins has sent no messages even acknowledging -- let alone celebrating or sermonizing -- other religions' holidays."
In response to the multiple inquiries about the lawsuit, the USDA penned the uncalled-for statement: "While we do not comment on pending litigation, we will keep the plaintiffs in our prayers during this process."
The plaintiffs explain that Rollins' religious messaging has intensified over time. On July 4 of last year, Rollins sent a religion-geared Independence Day message: "May God continue to protect the United States of America and may His favor shine over all her land." In a Thanksgiving message, Rollins penned "gratitude towards a loving God" when describing the first Thanksgiving.
Although the above emails are already overtly religious for the federal workplace, later emails, according to the plaintiffs, show an "escalating pattern." In an email sent around Christmas, Rollins wrote, "God gave us the greatest gift possible, the gift of his Son and our Savior Jesus Christ, who came to free us from our sins and open the door to eternal life." Notably, the secretary never sent any messages acknowledging non-Christian religious holidays.
In her egregious April Easter message, Rollins said, "Today we celebrate the greatest story ever told, the foundation of our faith and the abiding hope of all mankind." The plaintiffs contend that Rollins' usage of "our" and "we" created an "in-group" at USDA, and those of a different faith or nonfaith may be subjected to "negative consequences."
The Easter message pressured the plaintiffs, causing them to feel "intimidated from expressing their own beliefs at work and compelled to shape their behavior accordingly and hide their own beliefs." Employees explained that the proselytization instilled fear in the workplace, causing the plaintiffs to worry that they would be singled out or retaliated against for not sharing the secretary's personal religious beliefs. Plaintiff Jennifer Wolfe, described feeling coerced "to pretend that she is Christian if she wants to advance in her career at USDA."
Another plaintiff, Lanette Dietrich, who asked to be removed from the USDA email distribution list due to its religious language, was not only told that her request was "not possible" but that taking the request to a higher USDA official would also "create trouble" for her.
In November, the USDA issued a memo centered on the rights of employees to express their religion in the workplace, although the memo also states that USDA officials "cannot use official authority to pressure subordinates" and that employees "must stop" talk of religion "if a colleague asks you to stop."
The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Democracy Forward and Bryan Schwartz Law.
The FFRF Action Fund earnestly thanks the plaintiffs for taking the Trump administration's zealous proselytization rooted in Christian nationalism to court. The personal beliefs of federal officials, and all religious messaging, has no place in the workplace, as per the U.S. Constitution.
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FFRF Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. It also advocates for the rights and views of nonbelievers, endorses candidates for political office, and publicizes the views of elected officials concerning religious liberty issues.
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Original text here: https://ffrfaction.org/secularist-usda-employees-sue-over-forced-religion-in-the-workplace/
[Category: Sociological]
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: President Camille N. Johnson Invites Religious Educators to Exemplify, Teach Peacemaking
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 6 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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President Camille N. Johnson Invites Religious Educators to Exemplify, Teach Peacemaking
Help students understand deeply and personally their identity as children of God, worldwide Church leader says
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At a time when contention infects the media, classroom, politics and workplaces, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson reiterated the call from God and his prophets to "love your neighbor (including your adversaries), avoid contention and make peace" during the
... Show Full Article
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 6 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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President Camille N. Johnson Invites Religious Educators to Exemplify, Teach Peacemaking
Help students understand deeply and personally their identity as children of God, worldwide Church leader says
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At a time when contention infects the media, classroom, politics and workplaces, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson reiterated the call from God and his prophets to "love your neighbor (including your adversaries), avoid contention and make peace" during theReligious Educators Conference on Thursday evening, in Provo, Utah.
"Love changes the heart. Avoiding contention changes the tone. Peacemaking changes relationships and our communities," President Johnson said. "And in that progressive pattern we become more like, and draw closer to, Jesus Christ."
The leader of the global Relief Society organization addressed thousands of Church Educational System (CES) and Seminary and Institute religious educators of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Concert Hall of the new Music Building on the campus of Brigham Young University on June 4, 2026, and via Zoom.
Her entire talk is available now on Broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and will be published soon in Gospel Library in 26 languages.
President Johnson's message opened the annual two-day conference that brings together religious educators from across the world for instruction, inspiration and connection, including teaching resources and best practices.
Thanking religious educators for being Christlike role models to more than a million students enrolled worldwide, she said that for disciples of Jesus Christ, peacemaking actively happens "right where we are -- in our homes, in our seminary classes, online, on campus, in the workplace, and in the community."
Religious educators' most impactful teaching is their example, she said. "We can choose how we show up -- with respect even when we disagree and with compassion for the burdens others are carrying," she said. "We can show up with the intention to listen to understand rather than defend our position with hostility and hurtful words."
Peacemakers practice every day by asking questions to better understand and then listening. "Are you creating a space in your home and classroom, where peacemaking can be practiced?" she asked.
President Johnson invited educators to explore what active peacemaking looks like at home, in class and in the community, and then cultivate qualities of peacemakers in their students.
Most importantly, peacemakers need to know their divine identity as literal spirit children of God. This will affect their decisions, including how to treat others.
"You approach your day differently when you have it imprinted on your heart that you are a child of God and that your fellow travelers in life are too," she said.
In President Johnson's profession as a lawyer and litigator, she tried to show interest and find something in common with the opposing counsel to show sincerity, build trust, find common ground and solve the problem at hand.
"Keeping a broad view of who we all are helped me navigate the natural challenges of practicing law where conflict, or the potential for conflict, was the reason for my work."
She added, "I invite you to prayerfully consider what experiences you can offer your students so that they come to understand deeply and personally their identity as children of God. We sing it. We say it. Do we have it imprinted upon our hearts?"
Reminding listeners of President Russell M. Nelson's counsel to young adults in May 2022 to "[k]now the truth about who you are," she suggested attaching the label "child of God" to ourselves and others. "Having that truth imprinted on my heart helps me love my adversary, avoid contention and make peace," she said.
Another quality of peacemakers is kindness, she said, quoting President Dallin H. Oaks, who said, "Bullying, ganging up on someone, or joining together to reject others ... is not pleasing to the Lord" ("Parents and Children," October 2018 general conference).
Because many students feel lonely and isolated, they need kindness to feel authentic belonging, President Johnson said.
"How will we plant the seed of desire in our young people to not only do kind acts but become kind? As a religious educator, you can teach by example and inspire your students to be kind."
President Johnson concluded by echoing the observation from the crew aboard the spaceship Artemis II and also President Oaks, that "we are all neighbors, we are children of God," and we should follow the Savior's teachings to love God and love our neighbor.
She testified, "Our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness is for us to return home. I know that is possible because of Jesus Christ. I love Him. I know that He lives."
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Original text here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-johnson-invites-religious-educators-examplify-teach-peacemaking
[Category: Religion]
CAIR-MA Calls for Action to Restore Public Trust After Release of Bigoted Police Texts
WASHINGTON, June 6 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 5, 2026:
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CAIR-MA Calls for Action to Restore Public Trust After Release of Bigoted Police Texts
The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for actions to restore public trust following the release of text messages allegedly sent by Massachusetts police officers that contained bigoted content.
According to media reports, newly released messages exchanged
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 6 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 5, 2026:
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CAIR-MA Calls for Action to Restore Public Trust After Release of Bigoted Police Texts
The Massachusetts chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MA), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for actions to restore public trust following the release of text messages allegedly sent by Massachusetts police officers that contained bigoted content.
According to media reports, newly released messages exchangedamong current and former law enforcement officers included derogatory comments targeting racial, ethnic, and religious minorities.
In a statement, CAIR-MA Executive Director Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, Esq., said:
"The reported content of these messages is deeply disturbing and undermines public confidence in law enforcement agencies charged with serving and protecting all members of our communities. When officers express bigoted views, it raises legitimate concerns about whether those biases may influence their interactions with the public and the administration of justice."
"Massachusetts leaders must take concrete steps to ensure accountability, strengthen oversight, and implement meaningful reforms that address systemic bias. Restoring public trust requires transparency, a commitment to equal treatment under the law, and clear consequences for conduct that violates the principles of public service."
Amatul-Wadud noted that last month, CAIR-MA welcomed criminal charges filed against two individuals accused of carrying out a racist attack targeting Hispanic diners at an East Boston restaurant.
She said Washington, D.C., based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ma-calls-for-action-to-restore-public-trust-after-release-of-bigoted-police-texts/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR Welcomes Federal Court Ruling Striking Down Trump Admin's Asylum Freeze on 39 Countries
WASHINGTON, June 6 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 5, 2026:
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CAIR Welcomes Federal Court Ruling Striking Down Trump Admin's Asylum Freeze on 39 Countries
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a federal court ruling striking down a Trump administration policy that effectively froze asylum, work permit, green card, and citizenship applications for immigrants from 39 countries, many of them Muslim-majority nations.
A federal judge ruled that
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 6 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 5, 2026:
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CAIR Welcomes Federal Court Ruling Striking Down Trump Admin's Asylum Freeze on 39 Countries
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a federal court ruling striking down a Trump administration policy that effectively froze asylum, work permit, green card, and citizenship applications for immigrants from 39 countries, many of them Muslim-majority nations.
A federal judge ruled thatthe policy was unlawful, arbitrary, and exceeded the authority of federal immigration officials. The policy had left thousands of immigrants and asylum seekers in legal limbo.
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
"This ruling is a victory for the rule of law, due process, and the principle that people should not be denied legal protections based on their nationality or religion. Policies that target immigrants and asylum seekers from predominantly Muslim, African, Middle Eastern, and other marginalized communities undermine America's commitment to justice and equal treatment under the law.
"We welcome the court's decision and urge the administration to immediately comply with the ruling, restore normal processing of all affected applications, and abandon discriminatory immigration policies that have caused unnecessary suffering for thousands of families."
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CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-welcomes-federal-court-ruling-striking-down-trump-admins-asylum-freeze-on-39-countries/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR Reiterates Demand for Release of Salah Sarsour From ICE Detention Following Reports of Medical Neglect
WASHINGTON, June 6 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 5, 2026:
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CAIR Reiterates Demand for Release of Salah Sarsour from ICE Detention Following Reports of Medical Neglect
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), today reiterated its call for the immediate release of Milwaukee Muslim community leader Salah Sarsour, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March, after reports indicate that his medical needs are being neglected and that his health is deteriorating while in detention.
According to attorneys
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 6 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 5, 2026:
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CAIR Reiterates Demand for Release of Salah Sarsour from ICE Detention Following Reports of Medical Neglect
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), today reiterated its call for the immediate release of Milwaukee Muslim community leader Salah Sarsour, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March, after reports indicate that his medical needs are being neglected and that his health is deteriorating while in detention.
According to attorneysrepresenting Sarsour, he has experienced worsening health conditions while being held in ICE custody and has allegedly been denied adequate medical care despite serious medical concerns.
SEE: Attorneys and family allege medical neglect in Salah Sarsour detention (https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2026/06/03/salah-sarsour-attorneys-allege-medical-neglect-detention-case/90393218007/) - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
SEE ALSO: Son of detained Islamic Society of Milwaukee president says father's health is being neglected in ICE custody (https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/in-your-community/milwaukee-county/son-of-detained-islamic-society-of-milwaukee-president-says-fathers-health-is-being-neglected-in-ice-custody) - TMJ4
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
"The reported neglect of Salah Sarsour's medical needs in ICE detention is deeply alarming and unacceptable. No one should be forced to suffer declining health while being unjustly held in immigration detention, especially a respected community leader who poses no threat to anyone. The Trump administration must immediately release Salah Sarsour and ensure that all individuals in immigration custody receive appropriate medical care and humane treatment."
He said Sarsour's continued detention raises serious concerns about due process, civil liberties, and the targeting of community leaders.
In April,CAIR joinedAmerican Muslims for Palestine (AMP), the Muslim American Society (MAS) and the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), at a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to demand Sarsour's immediate release.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-reiterates-demand-for-release-of-salah-sarsour-from-ice-detention-following-reports-of-medical-neglect/
[Category: Sociological]
