Law Symposium Exposes Weaknesses of Anti-Terrorist Guidelines for Nonprofits

A recent Pace Law Review Symposium, “Anti-Terrorist Financing Guidelines: The Impact on International Philanthropy,” highlighted the need for changes in the government guidelines and increased transparency of the reasons behind government decisions to shut down several Muslim charities accused of financing terrorists. The U.S. Treasury Department published the guidelines, which have been widely criticized, in November 2002. Speakers at the symposium said the current situation has lead to a decrease in international philanthropy, inappropriate application of the guidelines, a perception of ethnic discrimination against Muslim organizations and shut down of several charities with no terrorist-related convictions. A Treasury official acknowledged problems and said the department is working with the sector to revise the guidelines. See summary.
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