Obama: ‘Engagement with Muslim-American Communities Must Never Be a Cover for Surveillance’

“To make sure everyone that has opportunity. That includes the aspirations of women and youth and all people. If we expect our own dignity to be respected, so must we respect the dignity of others. (Applause) 

So let me conclude by saying that as Muslim communities stand up for the future that you believe in, that you exhibit in your daily lives, as you teach your children, America will be your partner. We will — I will do everything I can to lift up the multiplicity of Muslim voices that promote pluralism and peace. (Applause) 

We will continue to reach out to young Muslims around the world empowering them with science and technology and entrepreneurship so they can pursue their God given potential and help build up communities and provide opportunity. That’s why we will continue to partner with Muslim American communities not just to help you protect against extremist threats but to expand health care and education and opportunity. (Applause) Because that’s the best way to build strong resilient communities. Our values must guide us in this work. 

Engagement with Muslim American communities must never be a cover for surveillance. We can’t give in to profiling entire groups of people. There is no one single profile of terrorists. We can’t securetize our entire relationship with Muslim Americans. We can’t deal with you solely through the prism of law enforcement. We’ve got to build trust and mutual respect. That’s how we’ll keep our communities strong and our communities united.”