US President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign faced criticism after declining an invitation to participate in a symposium focused on voter engagement within the Muslim American community. Hosted by a coalition of over two dozen Muslim civic groups, the two-day online event held on April 20 and 21 aimed to address pressing issues concerning the upcoming presidential election in November, particularly those aligned with the interests and values of the American Muslim community.

Discussions during the symposium encompassed a range of topics, including US support for Israel, justice in the Middle East and Asia, and domestic issues pertinent to the Black community in the US. The event, spearheaded by organizations such as the Muslim Civic Coalition, Cair Action, the Abandon Biden Campaign, the Uncommitted National Movement, and American Muslims for Palestine – Chicago, provided a platform for dialogue on critical issues shaping the political landscape.

While the symposium sought to engage with representatives from both major political parties, the coalition revealed that invitations extended to both the Biden and Trump campaigns were declined. Luna Banuri of the Utah Muslim Civic League expressed disappointment, stating, “President Biden choosing to ignore 1.6 million Muslim voters…reveals the disconnect between him and the American people he serves.” Banuri emphasized the significance of Muslim voices in the electoral process and called for increased representation and acknowledgment from political leaders.

Instead of hearing from representatives of the major parties, the symposium featured discussions with third-party candidates, including independent Cornel West, Jill Stein of the Green Party, Claudia de la Cruz of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Joseph Collins of the Libertarian Party. Mark Elbourno, a member of the Muslim community in North Carolina, highlighted the importance of leaders who align with the values of the Muslim community, expressing concern over the current administration’s policies towards Gaza and the broader US role in the region.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Biden campaign regarding their absence from the symposium were unsuccessful at the time of publication. The Biden administration has faced criticism from the Muslim American community over its handling of Israel’s assault on Gaza, including fast-tracking weapons and munitions to Israel. This support for Israel has led to growing discontent among Muslim voters, with a survey indicating that 72 percent disapprove of Biden’s approach to the conflict.

The discontent has manifested in various forms, including grassroots campaigns such as “Abandon Biden,” initiated in Minnesota, and widespread voter dissatisfaction evidenced by marked “uncommitted” ballots in key swing states during primary elections. As the November election approaches, the engagement and sentiments of the Muslim American electorate remain significant factors shaping the political landscape.