Institute For Social Policy and Understanding - Publications

Publications

The ISPU produces publications including reports, policy briefs and op-ed articles. All publications can be found at ispu.org

In May 2007, Farid Senzai, Fellow and Director of Research at ISPU, made comments at a press conference in Washington, DC at which the Pew Research Center released a comprehensive survey of Muslim Americans, describing the attitudes, experiences and demographics of the Muslim community. Senzai served as a member of Pew's outside advisory board on this project. In addition ISPU organized the focus groups that informed the research.

ISPU hosts about 75 scholars offering cutting edge research in over 40 disciplines, from Anthropology to Political Science. ISPU’s roster of scholars features world renowned scholars like John Esposito, Akbar Ahmed, Sherman Jackson, Aminah McLoud, Fawaz Gerges and Mohammed Ayoob, among others. ISPU experts research issues of importance to American Muslims like health, education, social welfare, and civil society and also focus on Muslim communities in other areas of the world.

ISPU's publications aim to expand the policy debate beyond the simplistic, sound-bite driven analysis often heard in the news and among policy makers today. Most importantly, ISPU is committed to this work beyond political cycles and the current intrigue surrounding Muslims and Islam. This work is critical to the positive development of the American Muslim community.

Notable research:

Published the Detroit Mosque Study in 2004 which is still cited as one of the only sets of data to help understand the mosque-going population in the US. This study is considered an important resource by members of Congress and led major research organizations like Gallup and Pew to invest in large scale quantitative data on American Muslims.

Provided a proactive angle in the Park51 debate and published a series of reports aimed at the Muslim community and policy makers to help them navigate mosque opposition movements. These reports led to major community presentations at ISNA and for the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago. They have also been used by those involved in the actual Park51 negotiations.

Innovative series to mark the 10th anniversary of 9/11 led to the publication of a series of 6 policy briefs and 3 reports that were discussed in 7 events around the country. The series explored several of the most pressing policy issues facing the United States and the American Muslim community, and presented forward thinking and inclusive policy recommendations for the future. The series addresses the threat of terrorism, the policy shifts over the past decade, and the challenges and opportunities for the American Muslim community.

Evidence based research on the concept of “domestic radicalization”. Reports were shared in the US with leading officials on Capitol Hill, Homeland Security and with leaders at major counterterrorism organizations around the world.

Created an important tool for the community by publishing a first-of-its-kind major report on divorce in the Muslim community that is being used as an important resource and discussion guide for couples, community leaders, and the public. ISPU utilized an interactive webinar to help guide community leaders on how to use the report.

Produced the first empirical research study on how American Muslims apply sharia in their everyday lives. This report was covered in major media outlets from Yahoo News to the Washington Post.

Our reports on Human Capitol and Board Performance in the Islamic Non-Profit Sector continue to be major resources for community and non-profit leaders. They were featured at a major session at the annual ISNA convention. Our 2006 conference on Islamic Education in America, in partnership with Georgetown University, led to the publication of a major book on educating American Muslims.

Through its groundbreaking report "Engaging American Muslims: Political and Civic Engagement", ISPU created a buzz about the potential impact of the Muslim vote in the 2012 election. The report indicates that in key districts in battleground states, the increasingly politically engaged American Muslim community could help to "swing" the vote, causing campaigns at all levels to take notice. On the day of the report's release, The New York Times published an op-ed by its author, ISPU's Director of Research Farid Senzai, and CNN.com highlighted the report.