Institute for Social Policy and Understanding
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The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) is a Muslim think tank and research organization committed to conducting research and offering policy analysis on some of the most pressing issues facing the United States. These issues include U.S. foreign policy, national security, the economy, and public health. In addition, ISPU has assembled leading experts across multiple disciplines and built a reputation as a sympathetic source for information about American Muslims and Muslim communities around the world.
ISPU scholars provide insight into the major debates taking place across the country. They offer context-specific analysis and recommendations to journalists, policymakers, and the general public through reports, policy briefs, articles, op-eds and books. ISPU disseminates its publications through a variety of channels and holds regular congressional briefings, policy events and academic conferences.
ISPU's mission is to provide expert analysis, insight and context to critical issues facing our nation, with an emphasis on those issues related to Muslim communities in the U.S. and abroad.
ISPU was founded in Detroit, Michigan in the wake of the tragic September 11, 2001 attacks, a time that generated much commentary about Muslims both in the United States and abroad. Since then, journalists, government officials and the general public have increasingly sought to educate themselves about Muslims; however, the scarcity of reliable data or sound policy analysis has made it difficult to understand Muslim attitudes, institutions, or practices.
The founders of ISPU aimed to fill this major information gap by assembling experts in the field. The goal was 1) to conduct objective, empirical research on American Muslims and 2) to provide a fresh perspective and relevant policy analysis on the most critical issues facing the United States.
ISPU publications are disseminated to key stakeholders through policy events, congressional briefings, academic conferences, public events, and the internet. In May 2010, ISPU opened headquarters in Washington, DC to maximize its impact among policymakers, opinion leaders and government officials.
More information about ISPU can be found at www.ispu.org
[edit] Publications
The ISPU produces scholarly publications including reports, policy briefs and op-ed articles. All publications can be found at www.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.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
