In Solidarity with Muslim Communities
The Washington State Office of Equity strongly condemns Islamophobia, hate, and efforts to divide people through fear.
Recent news has shown harmful messages in our region that try to paint Muslims as a threat. These messages are not true, and they are dangerous. They create fear, encourage exclusion, and put real people at risk. Many Muslim Washingtonians already face discrimination and bias. This kind of language makes things worse and harms our shared sense of safety and belonging.
Muslim communities are an important part of Washington. They are business owners, health care workers, teachers, public servants, and community leaders. Across the country, Muslim-owned businesses support over 1.3 million jobs and bring in billions of dollars. Here in Washington, Muslim communities bring many cultures, languages, and traditions that make our state stronger.
Washington has made a clear commitment to protect immigrant and refugee communities. This state is dedicated to respecting the dignity and rights of all people. Laws like the Keep Washington Working Act and Executive Order 25-09 show that our state is committed to fairness, access, and trust for everyone, no matter their immigration status or religion.
We reject any effort to blame, dehumanize, or push out people because of their faith or identity. Washington’s strength comes from its diversity. This strength comes from making sure everyone can live with dignity, safety, and respect.
At a time when division is growing, we stay grounded in our values of equity, inclusion, and justice. We are in solidarity with Muslim communities across Washington. We remain committed to building a state where everyone can live, work, and take part in their community without fear. Please join us in advancing a Washington for all.
Resources
If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime or bias incident, we encourage you to report it here.
Check out the Council on Islamic-American Relations, CAIR Washington. This grassroots advocacy and civil rights organization is based in Seattle and serves the Muslim community across Washington state. It works to protect the civil liberties of Muslim Washingtonians, no matter where they live or how much they earn. CAIR does this by:
- providing free legal services to Muslims who have been discriminated against because they are Muslim,
- fighting Islamophobia and bigotry through education and storytelling, and
- helping our community stay politically and socially engaged while shaping laws and policies that affect us.
If you are a Washington state employee needing support, we encourage you to reach out to the Employee Assistance Program. Washington state also has a breadth of Business Resource Groups to connect with in finding support. Tap in here!
Immigration Subcabinet
The Immigration Subcabinet exists to keep Washington a welcoming place that respects the diversity of all its residents with courage and compassion. The Immigration Subcabinet was created by Governor Ferguson through Executive Order 25-09.
Please reach out to the Immigration Subcabinet by emailing subcabinet@equity.wa.gov. Subscribe to our Subcabinet Support newsletter for regular updates.
Need translation of Office of Equity materials? Email access@equity.wa.gov
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Communicating a Washington for All,
The Washington State Office of Equity Team
equity.wa.gov | Subscribe to stay connected with us!
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