(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/28/2008) - A representative of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) yesterday took part in a panel discussion that focused on civil rights and privacy issues raised by the possible introduction of new homeland security technology.

The panel discussion, called "Community Perceptions of Technology," was hosted by the Homeland Security Institute (HIS). Issues and concerns raised by the panelists will be sent to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). (HSI is funded by the DHS.)

"We appreciate the opportunity to offer input on the introduction of these new technologies," said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad, who participated in the panel discussion. "Our top concern is maintaining our nation's safety and security while preserving individual privacy and civil rights."

Awad said a representative of CAIR's Greater Los Angeles Area chapter
(CAIR-LA) met recently with Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) officials to discuss Muslim concerns about the use of invasive body-imaging technology during secondary security screenings.

In 1997, Awad served on Vice President Al Gore's Civil Rights Advisory Panel to the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security.

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