[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 21 (Monday, February 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E177-E178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF DR. AZIZAH AL-HIBRI'S LIFETIME OF SUPPORT AND 
                   ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF HUMAN RIGHTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 9, 2015

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Azizah al-
Hibri, a distinguished women's and human rights advocate, on receiving 
the prestigious ACCESS Purple Rose Award. As a Member of Congress it is 
both my privilege and honor to recognize Dr. al-Hibri for her many 
years of service and contributions which have enriched and strengthened 
our community.
  Dr. al-Hibri is the Founder and Chair of KARAMAH: Muslim Women 
Lawyers for Human Rights. KARAMAH is a nonprofit organization committed 
to promoting human rights throughout the globe, especially focusing on 
gender equity, religious freedom and civil rights in the United States. 
KARAMAH translates as ``dignity'' in Arabic and the stated vision of 
the organization is ``Dignity for All.'' In 1993, Dr. al-Hibri, then a 
law professor and

[[Page E178]]

noted Islamic scholar at the University of Richmond, was inspired by 
the verse which reads: ``We have given dignity to the Children of 
Adam.'' With faithful commitment to the idea that this verse 
establishes the fact that human dignity is bestowed upon all human 
beings, Dr. al-Hibri has committed herself to advancing this 
understanding of the unalienable rights of women, a cause she continues 
to champion today.
  Dr. al-Hibri has dedicated her life to education, legal outreach and 
advocacy. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. al-Hibri is a Fulbright 
scholar and is the founding editor of the journal Hypatia, which is 
dedicated to Feminist philosophy, particularly as it relates to Muslim 
women. Recognizing the national importance of her voice and 
contributions, in 2011 President Obama appointed Dr. al-Hibri to U.S. 
Commission on International Religious Freedom, a truly deserved honor.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Dr. al-
Hibri for her many contributions to our community and her leadership in 
advancing Human Rights. I wish her many more years of health, 
happiness, and productive advocacy.

                          ____________________