ADC MICHIGAN NEWS AND VIEWS

 “Dedicated to promoting civil rights in America through education and understanding.”

ADC Michigan Office Closed – June 9-13, 2004

The ADC Michigan Office will be closed from Wednesday, June 9 through Sunday, June 13, 2004 .  ADC Michigan staff will be in Washington , DC at the ADC National Convention.

 Northwest Airlines Sponsors Two ADC Interns to Attend National Convention

ADC Michigan extends its gratitude to Northwest Airlines for generously sponsoring the airfare of two ADC student interns, so that they may attend the ADC National Convention in Washington , DC , from June 10-13, 2004 .  Both Mona Kobersy from Michigan State University and Wafa Al-Khateeb from Henry Ford Community College will take part in the largest four-day gathering of Arab Americans in the nation because of Northwest’s assistance.  “I truly appreciate this offer by Northwest and regard it as encouragement to remain active in the causes that I care most about,” states Mona.  “This really is a wonderful gesture from Northwest, and I look forward to gaining the most I can from this experience,” adds Wafa.  ADC Michigan members from throughout the State will take part in this historical convention.  To register, or obtain the latest updates regarding the ADC National Convention, please visit www.adc.org, or call 202-244-2990.

 ADC to Participate in Introduction of Civil Liberties Restoration Act

A new coalition of human rights, civil liberties, civil rights, and immigration advocacy groups, including ADC, will hold a series of events around the country on June 8, 2004 , including a national telephonic press conference, announcing the introduction of the Civil Liberties Restoration Act (CLRA).  The bill will be introduced the same day in Washington, D.C. by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Jon Corzine (D-NJ), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Russ Feingold (D-WI), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Congressmen Howard Berman (D-CA) and William Delahunt (D-MA).

As a leading civil rights organization, ADC, both at a national and local level, has been an active advocate of the CLRA.  In Detroit , ADC Michigan will be participating in a press conference with New Detroit in welcoming the introduction of CLRA on June 8 at 10:00 AM at the New Detroit Offices.

 The CLRA would roll back some of the most egregious post-911 policies and ensure respect for basic rights and fair treatment under the law.  Specifically, the bill redresses troubling new policies such as arbitrary and indefinite detentions, secret hearings, severe restrictions on due process, and violations of privacy and First Amendment.

 Arab American Running for Dearborn Heights School Board – Vote June 14!

On Monday, June 14, 2004 , the Crestwood District Dearborn Heights School Board will be electing new board members.  ADC Michigan encourages the residents of Dearborn Heights to actively participate in these elections.  Ms. Wanda Saad, an Arab American, is a candidate for an open position.  This is a critical time for voters to select someone that can serve the best interests of the school system and our children.  The Crestwood School District is in need of many reforms and, for this reason, it is important to elect new members to the Board of Education who will endeavor to uphold diversity and celebrate our true American values.  If Saad wins on June 14, she will be the first Arab American elected to the Crestwood School Board and will serve as a true reflection of the unity embodied in the cultural makeup of the City.

 ADC Supports Efforts of Local Movie Producer in Promising Documentary

Local community activist Neal AbuNab has embarked on producing a documentary film called “The Arab American Dream.”  His real-life movie will celebrate the lives and contributions of Arab Americans and what they are doing in their every day lives to counteract negative stereotyping of their heritage and culture.  According to the producer, the movie promises to put Dearborn on the Hollywood map.  “Arabs are peace-loving people with closely-knit families and they are hard working self-reliant people that love freedom,” states AbuNab.  He plans to tell the story of the American dream through the eyes of everyday struggling businessmen, students, teachers and community organizations.  He sees his movie as one of the tools of a campaign to define the unique identity and character of mainstream America .  The movie is scheduled for release on September 11, 2005 .  The anniversary of the tragic events was chosen so that “the movie would act as an anecdote of hope in contrast with the evil and destruction that took place on that day.”  The producer, Mr. AbuNab, is still seeking financial support in the form of contributions or investment in his venture.  He has a website at www.arabamericandream.com and can be reached at 313-506-4409.  ADC Michigan supports this work and appreciates its value in reaching out to the hearts and minds of fellow Americans

 9th Annual Dearborn Arab International Festival - June 18-20, 2004

This year’s Arab International Festival will be held from Friday, June 18, 2004 - Sunday, June 20, 2004 on Warren Avenue in Dearborn .  This is the largest Arab International Festival in the nation, spanning 12 city blocks.  Over 200,000 people gathered for last year's festival.  The Arab International Festival is hosted by the American-Arab Chamber of Commerce, ACCESS and the Lebanese American Heritage Club.  For more information about the 2004 Festival, please call 313-945-1700.

 ADC Kalamazoo Hosts Annual Picnic – June 19, 2004

On Saturday, June 19, 2004 , at 2:00 PM , the ADC Greater Kalamazoo Chapter will host its annual picnic at Cold Brook Park (South of I-94, Exit 85, and 14467 EAST MN AVE. at South 42^nd Street ).  Visit  http://www.kalcounty.com/parks/coldbrook/  for further directions.  All are invited to attend and enjoy this fun-filled day.  The cost is $5 for individuals over 11 years and older and $3 for children ages 4-10 (children 3 and under are free).  Meat will be provided.  Salads and desserts are welcome.

     Publication of New Arab American Magazine

Gourad Media Group, LLC, based in Connecticut , recently announced the publication of Shems, a quarterly Arab American magazine that celebrates Arab Americans, their accomplishments, events, business leaders and stories.  Shems will encourage the participation of its readers and will include activities such as writing competitions and personals.  Although the magazine is being released initially as a quarterly publication, it is expected to develop into a bi-monthly magazine, and will eventually become a monthly periodical.  The magazine will be available via subscription and at select newsstands in the United States , beginning July 1, 2004 .  For more information on the magazine and/or online subscriptions, visit the magazine's website at www.shems.info, or call 203-838-4388.

 CASE UPDATES

 Public Advisory – Re:  Ultimed

In late 2003, a complaint was filed with the ADC Michigan Office regarding Ultimed HMO of Michigan’s refusal to pay a child’s medical bills for services that it was responsible for, as the child’s healthcare provider.  As a result of this refusal, which left the heavy burden of medical costs on the family, the bills were forwarded to a collection agency, jeopardizing the credit record of the child’s mother.  Due to Ultimed’s lack of courtesy and cooperation in addressing this matter, ADC was compelled to communicate with the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), who ultimately secured payment of the medical bills and relieved the family of this heavy burden.

 Because of Ultimed’s lack of cooperation in handling this matter, ADC alerted MDCH on the possibility of other cases similar to that of this family’s existing, and requested a formal investigation into the practices of Ultimed.  According to a communication dated May 25, 2004 , the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) informed ADC that they are unable to pursue an investigation due to financial restraints and the need to demonstrate that more cases similar to this exist.

 ADC will continue to monitor Ultimed’s practices and calls upon individuals who have faced similar situations with Ultimed to contact Sue Hachem at the ADC Michigan Office at (313) 581-1201 or email shachem@adc.org.  

 Arab American Claims Harassment by Customs Officials

An Arab American was recently returning to the U.S. from a visit to Canada via the tunnel, when six U.S. officials stopped him for questioning.  He alleges that during the interrogation, he was subject to intimidation and verbal humiliation by the officers, and was frequently called “stupid” and yelled at and told to “shut up and not talk at all.”  He informed ADC that he was scared and intimidated and was further frightened when upon his release, he was allegedly told to “get in his car and go, not to return to Canada ever again.”  

The member indicated that he had no prior record of any violation and was entirely shocked by the treatment he received. As a result, he contacted Immigration officials and asked if there had been any changes in his status, whereby he was assured that he was a legal resident and should encounter no difficulties in traveling to and from Canada . The member stressed to ADC that he does not question the right of the government to question people, however, he sees no justification for the humiliation and intimidation he endured.  ADC is actively communicating with the proper authorities regarding this important matter.

 *ADC News and Views is ADC Michigan ’s electronic newsletter.  All rights to this newsletter are reserved for ADC.  Information in this newsletter is not to be reprinted without proper acknowledgement.  For more information, please contact Ms. Rana Abbas Chami at 313-581-1201.