Advancing Civil Rights and Empowering Arab Americans
The ADC Research Institute (ADCRI) stands as a beacon of hope and progress for Arab Americans and the broader American community. Founded in 1981 by James Abourezk, a distinguished civil rights attorney and former U.S. Senator from South Dakota, ADCRI has dedicated over four decades to protecting constitutional rights, combating discrimination, and fostering understanding between communities.
Our Mission
ADCRI is committed to protecting and advancing the civil and human rights of Arab Americans while promoting understanding, tolerance, and respect for all communities. We work tirelessly to ensure that Arab Americans can fully participate in American society without fear of discrimination, harassment, or prejudice.
Core Values
Civil Rights Protection: We believe that every individual, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, deserves equal protection under the law and the full enjoyment of constitutional rights and freedoms.
Educational Excellence: Knowledge and understanding are powerful tools against prejudice. We are committed to educating both Arab American communities and the broader public about Arab heritage, contributions, and contemporary issues.
Community Empowerment: We strengthen Arab American communities by providing resources, training, and support that enable individuals and organizations to advocate effectively for their rights and interests.
Constitutional Advocacy: We defend First Amendment rights and other constitutional protections that are fundamental to American democracy and essential for all minority communities.
Bridge Building: We work to build bridges between Arab Americans and other communities, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation across ethnic, religious, and cultural lines.
Our Work and Programs
Civil Rights Advocacy ADCRI leads the fight against discrimination targeting Arab Americans in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. We provide legal assistance, document civil rights violations, and advocate for policy changes that protect vulnerable communities.
Government Accountability We monitor government policies and practices that may disproportionately impact Arab Americans, including profiling, surveillance programs, and immigration enforcement. Our advocacy ensures that national security measures respect constitutional rights and due process.
Public Education and Outreach Through workshops, seminars, and educational materials, we combat stereotypes and misconceptions about Arab Americans while promoting accurate understanding of Arab culture, history, and contributions to American society.
Community Organizing and Training We provide training and resources to help Arab Americans become effective advocates for their communities. Our programs cover everything from civic engagement and voter registration to media relations and grassroots organizing.
Research and Documentation Our research programs document the Arab American experience, track discrimination trends, and produce authoritative reports that inform policy discussions and public understanding.
The Anthony Shadid Internship Program
Named after the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and ADC supporter, our flagship internship program offers students from all academic disciplines the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in civil rights work. Over ten weeks, interns work alongside our national office staff on:
- Case handling and civil rights investigations
- Media relations and communications
- Research and policy analysis
- Legal and media writing
- Educational outreach and community organizing
- Office administration and program support
Washington D.C. Experience Interns gain invaluable exposure to the nation’s capital through visits to:
- Congressional offices and legislative briefings
- Embassy meetings and diplomatic events
- Think tanks and policy institutions
- Other civil rights and advocacy organizations
- Federal agencies and departments
This comprehensive experience introduces young professionals to the policy-making process while building the next generation of civil rights advocates and community leaders.
Key Focus Areas
Combating Discrimination and Hate Crimes We work with law enforcement, prosecutors, and community leaders to address hate crimes and bias incidents targeting Arab Americans. Our efforts include victim support, legal advocacy, and policy reform initiatives.
Immigration Rights ADCRI advocates for fair and humane immigration policies while providing support to individuals and families navigating the complex immigration system. We particularly focus on issues affecting Arab and Muslim immigrants.
Religious Freedom We defend the right of Arab Americans to practice their faith freely and without interference. This includes fighting against zoning discrimination affecting mosques and challenging employment discrimination based on religious observance.
Educational Equity We work to ensure that Arab American students receive equal educational opportunities and are protected from harassment and discrimination in schools and universities.
Media Representation Through media monitoring and advocacy, we challenge negative stereotypes and promote accurate, balanced representation of Arab Americans in news media, entertainment, and popular culture.
Partnerships and Coalitions
Interfaith Collaboration We work closely with religious organizations across faith traditions to promote interfaith understanding and cooperation. These partnerships help build broader coalitions for civil rights protection.
Civil Rights Movement ADCRI is proud to be part of the broader civil rights movement, working alongside African American, Latino, Asian American, Jewish, and other minority rights organizations to advance shared goals.
Legal Advocacy Networks We collaborate with legal organizations and civil liberties groups to challenge discriminatory laws and practices through strategic litigation and advocacy.
Academic Partnerships Our relationships with universities and research institutions help advance scholarly understanding of Arab American experiences while providing opportunities for student engagement.
Community Impact
Legal Victories Our advocacy has resulted in significant legal victories protecting Arab American rights, including successful challenges to discriminatory policies and important precedent-setting cases.
Policy Reform ADCRI’s advocacy has contributed to important policy changes at federal, state, and local levels, including improvements to hate crime legislation and civil rights protections.
Community Empowerment Thousands of Arab Americans have participated in our training programs, developing skills and knowledge that enable them to advocate effectively for their communities.
Public Understanding Our educational efforts have reached millions of Americans, helping to combat stereotypes and promote accurate understanding of Arab American contributions to society.
Challenges We Address
Post-9/11 Discrimination The September 11 attacks led to increased discrimination and government scrutiny of Arab and Muslim Americans. ADCRI has been at the forefront of efforts to protect civil liberties while addressing legitimate security concerns.
Rising Hate Incidents We respond to increases in hate crimes and bias incidents during times of international tension, providing immediate support to victims while advocating for stronger protective measures.
Government Surveillance We challenge excessive surveillance programs that target Arab and Muslim Americans based on ethnicity or religion rather than individual suspicion of wrongdoing.
Workplace Discrimination Arab Americans face discrimination in employment, from hiring biases to workplace harassment. We provide legal support and advocacy to address these challenges.
Looking Forward
As we continue our vital work, ADCRI remains committed to building a more inclusive America where Arab Americans can thrive without fear of discrimination or prejudice. We envision a future where:
- Civil rights are protected for all Americans regardless of background
- Arab Americans are recognized and celebrated for their contributions to society
- Government policies respect constitutional rights while ensuring public safety
- Communities work together to combat hate and promote understanding
- Young Arab Americans feel empowered to pursue their dreams and serve their country
How You Can Help
Whether you’re an Arab American seeking support, an ally wanting to help, or an organization interested in partnership, there are many ways to support our mission:
- Volunteer with our programs and initiatives
- Participate in our internship and fellowship opportunities
- Report discrimination and civil rights violations
- Support our advocacy through donations and fundraising
- Spread awareness about Arab American issues and contributions
- Engage in civic participation and community organizing
Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive America that lives up to its founding ideals of equality and justice for all.
ADCRI – Truly Arab, Fully American