Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

On September 15, 2001, The San Francisco Chronicle ran the editorial "Scapegoating our own." This editorial noted, "America's reaction to this week's terrorist attacks was wrapped in grief, anger and determination. One aspect it must not include is any scapegoating of loyal Arab Americans and Muslims living in this country. Already the country has felt this ignorant rage on the rise. Shattered windows of Middle Eastern businesses, hate messages on the Internet and vandalism of mosques are examples across the nation. There...

Source: www.whitehouse.gov

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010914-2.html

On September 14, 2001, President Bush offered remarks at the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance: "We are here in the middle hour of our grief. So many have suffered so great a loss, and today we express our nation's sorrow. We come before God to pray for the missing and the dead, and for those who love them." He continued, "It is said that adversity introduces us to...

Source: The New York Times

On September 14, 2001, The New York Times reported on the vigils and interfaith services being held in cities across the United States. At Boston's vigil, "Thousands of people waved the American flag today, sang 'America The Beautiful' and listened to words of peace and tolerance at a vigil for victims of the terrorist attacks. 'What we must fear most is not evil, it is becoming evil ourselves,' said Rabbi Barry Starr of Temple Israel in Sharon, Mass., and one of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian clerics leading the...

Source: The Washington Post

On September 14, 2001, The Washington Post published the editorial "Adding Shame to Grief." This ediorial noted, "The rage and sorrow that have filled the country are no excuse for giving in to ugly stereotypes that label whole communities for the acts of extremists. This week many Muslims have struggled to remind their neighbors that they are Americans too, shocked and outraged by the slaughter of innocents. If anger and vengeance are allowed to drown out that message, it will only add shame to the nation's grief."

Source: ACLU

http://www.aclu.org/news/2001/n091401a.html

On September 14, 2001, The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued a statement "urging tolerance and respect for everyone in America in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington and urged police officials across the country to respond quickly to reports of violence or threats against all people. 'We are deeply disturbed about the increasing reports of violence and threats against Muslims, Arab...

Source: Web Site of Senator Daschle

http://www.senate.gov/~daschle/frontstoryuseofforce.htm

On September 14, 2001, Senator Tom Daschle issued a statement on the Joint Resolution Authorizing the Use of Force to Defend America Against Terrorist Attacks. This statement read, in part: "We will be fierce in the defense of our ideals. We will make whatever material or physical sacrifice that is required of us to punish those who attacked our nation, and to prevent future attacks...

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/14/national/14CND-PRAYER.html

On September 14, 2001, The New York Times reported on the prayer service held today: "Weeping skies darkened the National Cathedral's glorious stained-glass windows as President Bush led four former presidents and the nation in prayer Friday for healing -- and the grace to respond to evil without becoming evil." The service opened with a statement from Bishop Jane Holmes...

Source: U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

http://www.usccr.gov/tragedy/tragcmpl.htm

On September 14, 2001, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) issued a statement announcing a telephone complaint line for "backlash" incidents related to religious or racial identity. The statement read, in part: "The United States Commission on Civil Rights has received complaints from Arab and Muslim Americans who are being targeted in the wake of Tuesday's attacks. In order to address these...

Source: USA TODAY

On September 14, 2001, USA TODAY reported that the backlash against Muslims and others is extending to the workplace. In the wake of numerous incidents, some companies have taken a proactive position. "PolyOne, a specialty chemical company based in Cleveland, sent out a message from its CEO to all employees about efforts to provide support and help. '(The search for suspects) may lead to very angry feelings and calls for retribution, perhaps against particular ethnic groups,' the message read. 'Do not blame the innocent for the crimes of...

Source: ABC News

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/wtc_backlash_010914.html

On September 14, 2001, ABC News reported on "Arab-Americans Feel Backlash: Firebombs, Name-Calling, Threats Reported." Continuing coverage included an chat with Al-Haaj Ghazi Khankan, director of Interfaith Affairs at the Islamic Center of Long Island and executive director for the Council...

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

On September 14, 2001, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch published an editorial on "Misguided patriots" which read, in part: "Within hours of the terrorist attack, bomb threats had been made against a mosque in west St. Louis County. Taunts and cruel jokes were being directed at Muslim high school students. Threats and curses were hurled at Arab-Americans -- even at Sikhs, people from India who practice a completely different religion. Elsewhere, bullets shattered windows in a Texas mosque. Beatings and violence were reported in...

Source: Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force

http://www.sikhmediawatch.org/official_correspondence/oc20010914_responses-2.htm

On September 14, 2001, the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force issued a press release which quoted House Democratic Leader Richard A. Gephardt: "In the face of this act of terror, we must not abandon our bedrock American values of freedom and civil liberties that define our democracy. In World War II, our country made...

Source: The New York Times

On September 14, 2001, The New York Times reported on the increasing harassment and attacks against Muslims, Sikhs, Arabs, and others. "From Texas to Chicago to Long Island, there have been reports of arson, personal attacks and the police stopping men in Middle Eastern-style head coverings. The incidents are increasing despite many interfaith prayer services and calls from President Bush and other officials for the public not to single out anyone because of religion, race or ethnic origin." Across the country, reports continue to...