President Biden nominated Adeel Mangi for a federal appeals court judge position in the Third Circuit on November 15, 2023. Mangi boasts impeccable credentials, having received legal training at Oxford and Harvard and gaining over two decades of experience as a highly successful litigator specializing in complex corporate cases.
Notably, Mangi has dedicated his time to litigating numerous high-profile civil rights cases, including cases involving religious freedom and the rights of minority communities.
He has also represented cross-faith religious groups on various issues, such as DACA, LGBTQ+ civil rights, and immigration. Mangi’s nomination is historic as he would become the first Muslim American to serve on a federal appellate court.
Islamophobic Smear Campaign (Credits: Al Jazeera)
However, since his nomination, some Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee have attempted to tarnish his reputation, insinuating that he holds anti-Semitic views and sympathizes with terrorists. Unfortunately, these Islamophobic attacks have swayed some Democrats to oppose Mangi, jeopardizing his nomination.
Despite Mangi’s nomination for a federal appellate judge position, which focuses on interpreting and applying the law in appealed cases, some Senate Judiciary Committee members, notably Senator Ted Cruz, spent a significant portion of Mangi’s nomination hearing questioning him about foreign policy matters.
During the hearing, Cruz asked Mangi if he condemned the actions of Hamas terrorists, to which Mangi unequivocally stated his condemnation of the events involving the deaths of innocent civilians.
Unsatisfied with the response, Cruz further questioned Mangi about his views on justifying such atrocities, to which Mangi reiterated his firm stance against terrorism.
Islamophobic Smear Campaign (Credits: Othering & Belonging Institute)
Senator John Kennedy also posed a reprehensible question, asking Mangi if he celebrated 9/11. Mangi swiftly addressed the smear, emphasizing his firsthand experience of the tragic events of 9/11 as a resident of New York City. He unequivocally condemned terrorism and any attempts to justify or defend such acts.
Mangi’s responses during the nomination hearing underscore his unwavering commitment to justice and condemnation of terrorism in all its forms.
Despite facing baseless attacks and attempts to discredit him, Mangi’s qualifications and dedication to upholding the rule of law remain evident, highlighting the importance of his potential appointment to the federal appeals court.
