Institute for Social Policy and Understanding

The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) is an independent nonprofit research organization committed to studying United States domestic and foreign policy, with an emphasis on issues related to the American Muslim community. ISPU challenges the shaping of domestic and foreign policies that currently suffers from a lack of American Muslim input.

Mission

ISPU was established on the premise that every community must address, debate, and contribute to the pressing issues facing the nation. It is the institute's stated hope that this effort will give voice to the diversity of the United States and provide alternative perspectives to the current policy-making echelons of the political, academic and public-relations arenas of the United States.

Research activities

ISPU's research aims to increase understanding of key policy issues and how they impact various communities within America. Since its inception, ISPU has gained a well respected reputation for being one of the leading institutes in the country that focuses research on Muslims in America.

The institute provides analysis and policy advice through publications, public events, media commentary, and community research. The institute's multidisciplinary approach, in partnership with universities and other research institutes, serves to build understanding and create programs that effect lasting social change.

Publications

The ISPU produces scholarly publications that build on the ideas of various communities in the United States.

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.

The study was the first ever nationwide survey to attempt to measure rigorously the demographics, attitudes and experiences of Muslim Americans. The survey also contrasts the views of the Muslim population as a whole with those of the U.S. general population, and with the attitudes of Muslims all around the world, including Western Europe. Finally, findings from the survey make important contributions to the debate over the total size of the Muslim American population.

To view a copy of the report, go directly to the Pew Research Center website at www.pewresearch.org

External links

* [http://www.ispu.us Institute for Social Policy and Understanding]