Relative to American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month.
By formally recognizing an appreciation month, AR99 seeks to address and combat the rising tide of Islamophobia and discrimination faced by American Muslims. Notably, the resolution highlights disturbing trends such as vandalism at mosques and instances of hate speech, framing the recognition month as a crucial step towards promoting understanding and respect among diverse communities. The bill acknowledges over one million American Muslims residing in California and aims to foster a sense of pride and belonging within this community.
AR99 is a House Resolution aimed at declaring August 2020 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month in California. The bill was introduced by Assembly Member Quirk, with principal coauthors being Assembly Members Chu and Kalra. It outlines the significant contributions of the American Muslim community to the cultural, political, and economic fabric of California and the United States. This resolution emphasizes California's diversity and the vital role that religious freedom plays in the state's ethical and legal foundations.
While the resolution is largely symbolic, it brings to light the ongoing challenges that American Muslims face, including targeted violence and discrimination. It draws attention to the vital contributions of notable figures from the community in various fields, which is intended to inspire and educate the broader public. Critics may argue about the necessity of a formal resolution for awareness when the focus could also be on actionable policies. However, proponents assert that raising awareness is a foundational step towards equality and eradicating prejudice.