NAML Calls on Legal Community to Protect Free Speech, Respect Diversity of Views, and Recognize Humanity of Palestinians

(WASHINGTON, DC – 10/16/2023) The National Association of Muslim Lawyers today encouraged American law firms, law schools and legal organizations that have commented on, or plan to comment on, the ongoing crisis in Palestine and Israel to issue balanced statements that recognize the ongoing and longstanding suffering of the Palestinian people. NAML also called on both employers and schools to protect the free speech rights of employees and students who have been targeted for advocating for Palestinian human rights.

In the week since Israeli military and settler attacks on Palestinians and Al-Aqsa Masjid, Hamas attacks on Israelis and others in southern Israel, and the Israeli government’s ongoing bombing attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, NAML has heard numerous concerns from both lawyers and law students about bigoted and biased behavior they have witnessed or experienced directed at Muslims and Palestinians. 

NAML is working with other Muslim and legal organizations to address these ongoing concerns. NAML also today extended its condolences to the family of Wadea Al-Fayoume, a 6-year-old Palestinian Muslim who was stabbed to death in a hate crime motivated by anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian animus in Chicago.

In a statement, the National Association of Muslim Lawyers said:

“The National Association of Muslim Lawyers is deeply concerned about the violence occurring overseas and now here in America. As Muslim attorneys, in accordance with our faith, we condemn the killing of civilians—whether Palestinians, Israelis, Americans and anyone else—and pray for every person to live in peace, justice and freedom. 

"We applaud the NAML members who are, through their various careers, working tirelessly to stop the violence, including the ongoing bombing of Palestinian civilians in the blockaded Gaza Strip, and to secure freedom and justice for all, including Palestinians who have been suffering under occupation for decades.

“We are also deeply concerned about a sudden rise in reports of anti-Muslim bigotry and anti-Palestinian racism here in America. We are also troubled by the issuance of one-sided statements by major law firms, law schools and legal organizations that ignore the humanity of Palestinian civilians.

"Among Muslim attorneys, many have family and community bonds to Palestine and Palestinians. Law firm and organizational communications to staff and the public about the violence ought to, but too often have not, reflect everyone’s suffering in both Israel and Palestine.

"We also oppose attempts to silence or punish law students and lawyers who speak up for Palestinian human rights. There have been concerning reports about law firms making employment decisions based on a law student or young associate’s expressed political opinions. Efforts to deter people from expressing some views have included a so-called “doxxing truck” parked on a college campus projecting a blacklist of students who have spoken out sincerely on a complex international issue. 

“We encourage our profession’s leaders to keep their law firms—and the bar—open to everyone. The legal profession should not give in to the censorious impulse that understandably surfaces between people during times of war. We can do better, and the character of our profession gives us all a special role to play.

“The bar consists of some of this nation’s most eloquent advocates on every side of an issue. Often, the leaders of our profession trace their inspiration to become lawyers, not to a courtroom, but to their first efforts on campuses and in communities as advocates and organizers for the causes they hold dear. 

“We must allow students and those new to our profession the freedom to express their thoughts about complicated political issues without the ominous threat that a single inartful sentence or unpopular view may forever burden their legal career.  

“The ideals of our profession demand more from us than knee-jerk decisions to excommunicate young people working hard to become our colleagues. Our profession’s workplaces are strong enough to withstand the challenges that diversity sometimes brings. So are our law schools.

“Drawing from the American bar’s greatest traditions, we believe our profession’s leaders can set the standard for a society that respects free speech and values the human rights of all people, here and abroad.”

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NAML is the largest association of Muslim legal professionals in the United States. NAML works to mentor, empower, network and train American Muslim lawyers, law students and other legal professionals. NAML's Board of Directors represents 15 regional Muslim bar associations, as well as the National Muslim Law Students Association.