QUICK FACTS
Date of Birth
1958
Kuwait
Place of Birth
Why Featured?
Championing Palestinian Civil Liberties and Academic Freedom
BRIEF BIO
Sami Al-Arian is a Palestinian-American former university professor, civil rights activist, and public intellectual. Known for his advocacy on behalf of Palestinian rights in the U.S., Al-Arian's life and career were marked by his defense of civil liberties, particularly against controversial anti-terrorism measures.
LAST UPDATED
DATE
Monday, January 26, 2026
MAJOR MILESTONES
Key dates & turning points
Academic Tenure: Formerly a computer engineering professor at the University of South Florida, where he received numerous accolades for his teaching.
Legal Struggle: Faced a high-profile legal battle beginning in 2003, when he was accused of supporting terrorism due to his political activism; he was acquitted of the most serious charges.
Public Advocacy: Prominent advocate against the use of secret evidence in trials and for the rights of Muslim Americans.
Deportation: After a protracted legal struggle, Al-Arian was deported from the U.S. in 2015, ending a significant chapter in his life that involved fighting for his legal rights and civil liberties.
Continued Advocacy: Currently, he serves as the Director of the Center for Islam and Global Affairs at Istanbul Zaim University and remains an active commentator on Middle Eastern politics.
CONTRIBUTIONS
What they did, and why it matters
Advocacy Against Secret Evidence: Al-Arian was a leading figure in campaigning against the use of secret evidence in U.S. courts, significantly impacting the debate on civil rights in the post-9/11 era...See More
Promotion of Civil Liberties: His case brought international attention to the challenges facing civil liberties in the United States, especially concerning ethnic and religious minorities.
Academic Contributions: Contributed significantly to the academic community through his teachings and writings, particularly on computer engineering and Middle Eastern politics.
Public Speaking and Writing: A prolific speaker and writer, Al-Arian has contributed to numerous forums and publications discussing the Palestinian cause and broader Middle Eastern issues...See More
Cultural and Educational Impact: Through his roles at various educational institutions and his public advocacy, Al-Arian has influenced both policy and public opinion regarding Middle Eastern affairs and the rights of Palestinian people.
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Last updated
Jan 26, 2026
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