Opponents of federal contracting with Nation of Islam affiliates received a boost last week.
In the House Banking Committee, Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), one of the Nation of Islam’s loudest critics in Congress, won approval for an amendment to public housing reform legislation that would require the Department of Housing and Urban Development to investigate contracts with Nation of Islam and either certify that they are in compliance with federal regulations or terminate them.
For the past year, Jewish activity and members of Congress have been calling on HUD to examine Nation of Islam-affiliated businesses that receive federal funding through contracts.
They charge that the organizations – headed by Louis Farrakhan – is not an equal opportunity employer and stands in violation of federal employment requirements.
HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros “has stonewalled Congress at every turn and refused to comply with my requests for a thorough accounting of his agency’s dealings with Louis Farrakhan’s organization,” King said in a statement.
“HUD has entered into contracts with Farrakhan totaling more than $20 million. The American people have a right to know all the details of how their tax dollars are being spent in support of a vicious bigot and his hate group.”
Jewish leaders praised the House committee’s action as the first significant breakthrough in efforts to investigate the Nation of Islam’s hiring practices.
The full House is expected to vote on the bill later this month.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
