Marriott Faces Pressure To Cancel Event Hosted By Anti-Islam Group
A Muslim advocacy group called on Marriott International to cancel an upcoming event at one of its hotel locations hosted by a group that promotes anti-Islam rhetoric.
Muslim Advocates, a civil rights organization, sent a letter to Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson on Sept. 11, urging his company not to host the ACTCON2017 event.
The event is organized by ACT for America, a self-professed grassroots group focused on national security, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virgina, on Oct. 2 and 3.
“Marriott clearly and proudly states on its website that ‘diversity and inclusion is fundamental to our core values and strategic business goals,’” wrote Muslim Advocates public advocacy director Scott Simpson in the letter to Sorenson. “We believe that hosting this anti-Muslim convention is antithetical to this otherwise clear commitment.”
In a promotional video for the conference, ACT founder Brigitte Gabriel claimed “Judeo-Christian culture” had come “under assault” from Muslims and progressive activists.
“The leftist Islamic coalition is waging war against the rule of law and against you and me,” she said. “That’s why I need you by my side as we descend on Washington, D.C.”
In an interview with HuffPost, Simpson noted that Marriott has been vocal about promoting diversity in statements about LGBTQ rights, immigration reform and the proposed travel ban. The company recently launched an ad campaign called “Golden Rule,” which highlights the humanity and dignity of diverse communities.
“If they’re declaring that their corporate values are centered around diversity and inclusion, then hosting an anti-Muslim hate convention would be counter those values,” Simpson said.
The company hadn’t responded to Simpson’s letter as of Friday, he said. A Marriott spokesperson told HuffPost: “We are a hospitality company that provides public accommodations and function space. Acceptance of business does not indicate support or endorsement of any group or individual.”
The Southern Poverty Law Center designates ACT for America an anti-Muslim hate group. ACT rejects this characterization.
“ACT for America has never, and will never, tolerate any bias, discrimination, or violence against anyone, based on their religion, gender, race, or political persuasion. Freedom to practice one’s religion in peace is afforded to each of us by the U.S. Constitution and we will defend it vigorously,” the organization said in a statement provided to HuffPost.
The statement claimed that Muslim Advocates and SPLC are attempting “to redefine legitimate political differences as hate, in an effort to stop any public conversation about them.” It also noted that the conference will include a Muslim speaker, as well as other presenters from underrepresented groups.
“By attempting to pressure the venue to cancel it through the distribution of outright lies, Muslim Advocates simply exposes itself as a dishonest political partisan on issues important to millions of Americans,” the statement said.
Despite the group’s claims of promoting religious liberty, Gabriel has been quoted as saying, “Every practicing Muslim is a radical Muslim,” according to The New York Times. ACT’s Facebook page also attracts many anti-Muslim users who regularly echo rhetoric that frames Islam as inherently violent and at odds with American values.
ACT organized a series of “March Against Sharia” events around the country this summer, attended by a smattering of Islamophobic hate group members, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and armed anti-government militia members.
The group has long pushed the conspiracy theory that sharia ― a deeply misunderstood legal or philosophical code within Islam, interpreted differently by Muslims across the world ― poses a threat to the U.S. Constitution. The American Civil Liberties Union debunked this as a myth in a 2011 report.
If Marriott refuses to cancel the conference, Simpson said he hoped the company would alert its staff and guests about the event.
“The folks who will be staying at the Crystal Gateway Marriott on Oct. 2 and 3 should be made aware that their hotel is not going to be a hate-free zone,” he said. “The employees should know that as well. There are people who are known anti-Muslim bigots who will be there.”
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Check out photos from Guzman’s project below, along with captions explaining each subject’s favorite verse. Some of their responses have been edited for clarity. Follow the series as it unfolds on Guzman’s Instagram account.
Myree, Medical Assistant, California
"This is so important to me not only as a Muslim but also as an Afro-Latina. This states that Islam is against racism and discrimination. All humans are created equal. All that matters to God is the good a person does and the devotion we have for our creator." - Myree
Shadi, College Student, Boston
"This hadith is one of my favorites because it talks about being mindful of our parents. In today’s world, a lot of people do not respect their parents and treat them as if they are nothing. Of course there are times when our parents get on our nerves but before I even think or dare to say anything to them, I remember this hadith and it brings me back to reality. It allows me to do good instead of bad and this has helped me build a stronger relationship with my parents." - Shadi
Kenneth, College Student, California
"These verses remind me to always place my trust in God, no matter how hard things get. I have had lots of ups and downs in my life in terms of mental health. During my downs, I remember this verse and it motivates me to keep hope in the future, and to keep hope in myself. It reminds me of the power of prayer, as God can turn any situation around. When we have faith in God, He will set things moving for us in ways that we cannot even imagine." - Kenneth
Rula, College Student, Louisiana
"This verse, to me, is a significant reminder of Allah (God). Remembering to say 'inshallah,' if God wills, before speaking about plans is acknowledgement that as humans, we are not in control of everything. In a sense it is reassuring and personal because it relates to everybody. Growing up, it’s common that parents tell their kids 'inshallah' as a way to brush off their requests, as in 'OK, OK, if God wills.' I know my parents did. But as I grew older, I understood the value in relying on God and the love bestowed upon us. It’s a reminder of our humanity, and how not everything is in our control. To see God in all things is to also see God in our daily lives in the smallest plans we make, such as studying for a test, or even getting coffee. God is so great, and it is a reminder not to stress with all the free will we have." - Rula
Fida, Librarian Aide, Oregon
![<i>“In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. [All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds. The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. It is You we worship and You we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.” – Quran Chapter 1 / Verses 1-7</i><br /><br />"I chose the verses from the first chapter (Al-Fatiha) of the Quran. These verses remind me of my childhood. My sisters and I would all gather together and we would recite it together or one by one. We were so proud of ourselves when we memorized it and we could see our parents were proud of us too. This <i>surah </i>(chapter) is the first in the Quran and I have always said it in times of fear, when I would think a ghost was in the room or if I was walking home late. I knew <i>Allah </i>(God) was watching and helping me. These words are powerful and they have helped me feel and be protected." - Fida](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KpFosAtlBu5vDU6K8NMEmw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/596657282100003400fc68c1.jpg)
"I chose the verses from the first chapter (Al-Fatiha) of the Quran. These verses remind me of my childhood. My sisters and I would all gather together and we would recite it together or one by one. We were so proud of ourselves when we memorized it and we could see our parents were proud of us too. This surah (chapter) is the first in the Quran and I have always said it in times of fear, when I would think a ghost was in the room or if I was walking home late. I knew Allah (God) was watching and helping me. These words are powerful and they have helped me feel and be protected." - Fida
Osoul, Nursing Student, New Jersey
![<i>“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.” - Quran Chapter 2 / Verse 286<br /></i><br />"This specific ayah has gotten me through so much in my life, Alhamdulillah [Praise be to Allah]. I have had to deal with a lot growing up, whether it was family, illnesses or loss. In a way I was forced to mature at an early age and growing up I always wondered, 'Why!' You know, like why things happened the way they happened. But once I started getting closer to Allah, I realized that asking why things happen the way they do is the wrong approach to life. Instead we should ask Allah to make us strong enough to handle any obstacles thrown our way. Now every time something happens, I read this ayah and I remember that Allah will not burden me with anything I cannot handle. Allah won’t burden me with something that will destroy me, it will only make me stronger for what is ahead inshallah. It is kind of like a little hope, you know, the light at the end of the tunnel." - Osoul](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/WVr2getw83Xt.oguBFhGdA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/596657281500002000bfd3f1.jpg)
"This specific ayah has gotten me through so much in my life, Alhamdulillah [Praise be to Allah]. I have had to deal with a lot growing up, whether it was family, illnesses or loss. In a way I was forced to mature at an early age and growing up I always wondered, 'Why!' You know, like why things happened the way they happened. But once I started getting closer to Allah, I realized that asking why things happen the way they do is the wrong approach to life. Instead we should ask Allah to make us strong enough to handle any obstacles thrown our way. Now every time something happens, I read this ayah and I remember that Allah will not burden me with anything I cannot handle. Allah won’t burden me with something that will destroy me, it will only make me stronger for what is ahead inshallah. It is kind of like a little hope, you know, the light at the end of the tunnel." - Osoul
Nooran, College Student, New Hampshire
"I think it's the story and context of that verse that makes it my favorite. It is a prayer said by the Prophet Yunus (Jonah), who is swallowed by a whale and seems in a hopeless situation stuck in its belly. He makes this prayer when he realizes he has disobeyed God, and continues to repeat it so often that all the fish in the sea can hear him reciting it. God spares Yunus and he is spit out by the whale. This verse teaches me two very important things that I try to apply to my daily life. The first is that when a situation seems hopeless, put all your faith in God and rely on Him to make things better. The second is that self-critique is necessary even in hard times. The Prophet Yunus could not understand why God was doing this to him until he reflected and realized that he had been of the wrongdoers. In that very same way, we should strive to always reflect and better ourselves even in the hardest of times instead of being frustrated or angry at God." - Nooran
Hana, College Student, Georgia
![<i>"[Moses] said, 'No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.'" - Quran Chapter 26 / Verse 62</i><br /><br />"An ayah (verse) so simple and powerful, yet can be difficult to recollect when we allow this reality and this world to cloud our own visions. When I thought I was capable of carrying and dealing with everything on my own, I found myself lost, hurt and misguided. I allowed myself to forget that Allah (swt) can heal all my wounds and guide me, if I just called on Him. I had willingly clouded my own vision.<br />No doubt, this life can be difficult at times. Hardship, confusion, pain and doubt are inevitable. All of humanity, believers and atheists, experience suffering and aching, however, the ones who truly believe and call on Allah (swt) will be at ease. Despite any circumstances, they rest knowing The Lord of Heavens, Earth and everything in between is in charge. They trust His plan and allow their hearts to focus. They know they are not capable of everything; they are simply imperfect humans. Humans who don’t allow this reality to cloud their visions. A human I strive to be." - Hana](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/g35DPr76_gRatyWaLQoZog--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/596657282100003400fc68c0.jpg)
"An ayah (verse) so simple and powerful, yet can be difficult to recollect when we allow this reality and this world to cloud our own visions. When I thought I was capable of carrying and dealing with everything on my own, I found myself lost, hurt and misguided. I allowed myself to forget that Allah (swt) can heal all my wounds and guide me, if I just called on Him. I had willingly clouded my own vision.
No doubt, this life can be difficult at times. Hardship, confusion, pain and doubt are inevitable. All of humanity, believers and atheists, experience suffering and aching, however, the ones who truly believe and call on Allah (swt) will be at ease. Despite any circumstances, they rest knowing The Lord of Heavens, Earth and everything in between is in charge. They trust His plan and allow their hearts to focus. They know they are not capable of everything; they are simply imperfect humans. Humans who don’t allow this reality to cloud their visions. A human I strive to be." - Hana
Bushra, College Student, Texas
![<i>“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.” - Quran Chapter 31 / Verse 14</i><br /><br />"No religion puts greater emphasis on the status of parents in society than that which Islam puts. We always hear that a 'mother knows best,' but sometimes in life we get carried away by our own faults, forgetting to turn to those who know us the most. I'm always terrified that a day will come in which I can no longer write my mother's name and number as my emergency contact, whether it be for school or any other endeavor of mine. This verse keeps me grounded; it reminds me that life is short, so short, too short, and that one should never, ever take the lives of one's parents for granted." - Bushra](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/s0XVc1i9BxhVsbyjo6anVg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/59665728180000a085673ed4.jpg)
"No religion puts greater emphasis on the status of parents in society than that which Islam puts. We always hear that a 'mother knows best,' but sometimes in life we get carried away by our own faults, forgetting to turn to those who know us the most. I'm always terrified that a day will come in which I can no longer write my mother's name and number as my emergency contact, whether it be for school or any other endeavor of mine. This verse keeps me grounded; it reminds me that life is short, so short, too short, and that one should never, ever take the lives of one's parents for granted." - Bushra
Zarin, College Student, South Dakota
![<i>“And a sign for them is the night. We remove from it [the light of] day, so they are [left] in darkness. And the sun runs [on course] toward its stopping point. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing. And (as for) the moon, We have ordained for it stages till it becomes again as an old dry palm branch. It is not allowable for the sun to reach the moon, nor does the night overtake the day, but each, in an orbit, is swimming.” - Quran Chapter 36 / Verses 37-40</i><br /><br />"The reason I love these verses so much is that they are almost a reiteration of the age-old saying, and my personal favorite calming mechanism, that Allah does everything for a reason. If we ever look up to the sky to ask why the sun acts the way it does and why the moon acts the way it does, we can see that He has created a relationship between the two celestial bodies so that they work in harmony and makes sure that neither overpowers the other. It is also a beautiful image and representation and model of how we as humans should work, in harmony, never overtaking each other to benefit and 'over show' our power, but to work together and cooperate in peace as well as we can." - Zarin](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/q3FdWoeH2fm0jLbilxFk3w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MA--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5966572a2100003700fc68c2.jpg)
"The reason I love these verses so much is that they are almost a reiteration of the age-old saying, and my personal favorite calming mechanism, that Allah does everything for a reason. If we ever look up to the sky to ask why the sun acts the way it does and why the moon acts the way it does, we can see that He has created a relationship between the two celestial bodies so that they work in harmony and makes sure that neither overpowers the other. It is also a beautiful image and representation and model of how we as humans should work, in harmony, never overtaking each other to benefit and 'over show' our power, but to work together and cooperate in peace as well as we can." - Zarin
Samah Safi Bayazid, Filmmaker, Washington, D.C.
"This is one of my favorite verses in the Holy Quran. It really touches my heart, so I can relate to it in my life. 'Good word' and 'good work' is what I try to spread through my social media, where I’m very blessed and honored to have over 200,000 followers. As a filmmaker, some of our works like the American drama series 'Inspiration' got millions of views and cleared many misconceptions about Islam and American Muslims. Many people tell me that my words/works have inspired them and touched their hearts and lives. This always makes me think about the power of sincere words and actions, and how words can really be like 'a good tree whose roots are firm and whose branches are in heaven.' I hope that some of my words and works can become like a good tree in my lifetime and after I leave this world too." - Samah
Yousef, High School Student, Chicago
"This hadith has had a great impact in my life. When I was a little younger, I loved to give charity to others in front of people. I wanted to be seen in the public eye as a good kid; it mattered what people thought of me. Little did I know I was only looking to gain the pleasure of the people around me and not the pleasure of Allah. I was not thinking whether or not what I was doing made Allah be pleased with me. Then one day I heard this hadith and I knew I had to change the way I did things and my intentions toward doing them. I realized that the way I thought was wrong and that if I wanted to do a good deed, I needed to do it for the sake of Allah only. I understood that only through the pleasure and love of Allah I could gain the love of the people." - Yousef
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