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About our Public Policy work:
As an educational non-profit F&J works to enhance Centrist Public Policy development and implementation in Texas through civic and interfaith engagement. We elevate the organized Texas Muslim community's public policy voice with local, state and federal level government officials. Though we support civil and religious liberties policy advocacy, we are not a civil rights organization and therefore do not spearhead anti-discrimination advocacy efforts ourselves. F&J helps advance sound public policy in the fields of Education, Health Care and Environmental Stewardship through the three decade old interfaith group, Texas Impact, as its first Muslim member. At the state and federal levels F&J's research has been recognized by multiple government agencies for helping improve multiple policies in the fields of Law Enforcement/Domestic Intelligence, Homeland Security and National Security. As the Pubic Policy organization for the Texas Muslim community F&J monitors a minimum of 10,000 pieces of legislation bi-annually and works via coalitions to educate state and federal policy makers.
Passing Texas's 1st Muslim Legislation
F&J led and coordinated the state-wide efforts to pass the Texas Halal Food Law in 2003. This Islamic dietary law (HB-470) was modeled after our state's Kosher Food Statute. By coordinating the lobbying efforts of dozens of key activists around the state, HB-470 passed with 100% bi-partisan support in both the State House and Senate. HB-470 is a consumer protection law which makes it a misdemeanor to mislabel a food product as Halal and amounts to the Texas Muslim community's first legislative victory. The state does not define what is Halal, but producers are encouraged to obtain private certification from many available sources for their slaughtering practices.
Annual Texas Muslims Legislative Day
F&J has organized since 2003 multiple Texas Muslims Legislative Day (TMLD) events at the Texas State Capitol where hundreds of citizens were educated on State Public Policy and how to influence it. In 2004 we mobilized an overflow audience to witness the first Jumma (congregational) prayer inside the State Capitol around the theme of Homeland Security and our duties as American Muslims. We've also sponsored conferences on Education Policy and its impact on TX Muslims (Dallas), Civil Liberties Post 9/11 and Islamic Shariah Law's Impact on Women (UT Law School).
The Freedom and Justice Foundation (F&J)
Mission Statement:
F&J strives to enhance the debate of domestic policies of concern to all who wish to see Freedom and Justice thriving throughout the United States of America. We serve our mission by providing strategic analysis to policy makers, delivering the organized Muslim community's voice to faith-based community leaders, and advancing a conflict resolution methodology to security policy development.
Motto: "Bridging Communities"
Vision Statement:
F&J envisions American Muslims, with their distinctive viewpoint not restricted by conventional limitations, expediting America's progress in achieving its ultimate values of freedom and justice. | 
