Community Outreach

The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties works to foster ongoing communications and build lasting relationships between the government and the American public.

Since its inception, the Office has worked to help the Department establish and cement positive relationships with the public, focusing on communities that are particularly affected by DHS activities, and the organizations that represent them. One of the Office's primary statutory missions – assisting the Department to develop policies and procedures that are mindful of civil rights and civil liberties – is best accomplished when it listens to the reactions and concerns of the American people.

Secretary Napolitano's Council on Foreign Relations Speech

Secretary Napolitano spoke at the Council on Foreign Relations on July 29, 2009. She discussed counter-terrorism efforts, including the importance of protecting civil rights and civil liberties and reaching out to American Arab, Muslim, South Asian, and other populations.

Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute's ADC Speech

Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute delivered keynote remarks at the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Annual National Convention on June 13, 2009.

Secretary Napolitano's ADL Speech

Secretary Napolitano spoke at the Anti-Defamation League Leadership Conference on April 22. She discussed the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and mentioned its role in outreach, particularly in the large Somalian community in Minnesota.

Read the full text of her remarks.

President Obama's Speech in Cairo:
A New Beginning

President Obama spoke in Cairo on June 4, 2009 on America's relationship with Muslim communities around the world. In his speech, President Obama called for a "new beginning between the United States and Muslims."

Watch the video or read the transcript of his speech.

Community Resources

	Engaging Ethnic and Religious Communities Our Engagement with Key Communities team manages our outreach work, such as our roundtables with young leaders.
	Federal Protections Against National Origin Discrimination Federal laws prohibit discrimination based on a person's national origin.
	www.WelcometoUSA.gov This US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Web site lists resources for new immigrants, including welcome guides in 13 different languages.
	How to File A Civil Rights Complaint If you believe that your civil rights or civil liberties have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
	Civil Service Career and internship opportunities in the federal government.
	Training Resources Online training resources from the Department of Homeland Security.

Outreach Communication Materials

These materials may be downloaded for display and distribution.

• Terminology To Define The Terrorists: Recommendations From American Muslims
• The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Poster (PDF, 1 page - 154 KB)