Abdeen Jabara Donates $100,000 Endowment to University of Michigan-Dearborn, Strengthening Arab American Studies and Social Justice Initiatives.

Prominent Civil Rights Attorney’s Gift to Support Research, Internships, and Student Scholarships

Prominent Arab American civil rights attorney Abdeen Jabara has donated a $100,000 endowment to the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Arab American Studies (CAAS), the university announced on May 9, 2025. The donation will enhance student-led research, internships, and coursework at the center and the Arab American National Museum and establish the Holly Maguigan and Abdeen M. Jabara Scholarship Fund for students dedicated to academic excellence and social justice engagement.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Education

Jabara’s endowment is designed to foster academic achievement and community involvement among U of M-Dearborn students. The scholarship will be available to those conducting research, participating in internships at CAAS, enrolling in relevant courses, or engaging in Arabic translation internships with the Arab American National Museum. Recipients will be selected based on their academic merit and demonstrated commitment to social justice, reflecting Jabara’s lifelong dedication to civil rights.

“I’m honored and thrilled to be able to participate in the educational endeavors at U of M-Dearborn,” Jabara stated, expressing his enthusiasm for supporting the next generation of scholars and advocates.

Strengthening Institutional Ties and Arab American Scholarship

The gift is expected to strengthen the relationship between the university and the Arab American National Museum, facilitating collaborative research and translation projects. Wessam Elmeligi, director of CAAS and U of M-Dearborn’s Arabic translation certificate program, emphasized the significance of the donation: “This gift underlines the significance of research in Arab American studies, as well as the importance of Arabic translation, and strengthens the ties U of M-Dearborn has with the Arab American National Museum through meaningful research and translation projects. Our students are fortunate to receive such support and be inspired by the long-standing contributions and commitment of Abdeen Jabara to enriching our community and our university”.

Abdeen Jabara, A Lifelong Champion of Civil Rights

Born in 1940 to Lebanese immigrant parents in Mancelona, Michigan, Abdeen Jabara has built a distinguished career as a lawyer and activist. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1962, he attended Wayne State University Law School, where he founded the Law Students’ Civil Rights Research Council. He furthered his studies at the Institute of World Affairs in Salisbury, Connecticut.

Jabara’s legal career began in Detroit, where he served as a cooperating attorney with the Detroit Metropolitan Branch of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He became a founding member and former president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), a leading civil rights organization dedicated to combating prejudice and protecting the rights of Arab Americans.

He has also served on the Center for Constitutional Rights board and held leadership roles within the National Lawyers Guild, focusing on international human rights and advocacy for marginalized communities. Much of Jabara’s legal work, activism, and records are archived at the University of Michigan’s Bentley Historical Library, preserving his legacy for future generations.

Landmark Legal Battles, Defending Constitutional Rights

Jabara’s commitment to justice was tested in the 1970s, when he discovered he was the target of illegal government surveillance under “Operation Boulder,” a federal investigation into Arab Americans and immigrants. In 1972, he filed a lawsuit against the federal government, challenging the National Security Agency (NSA) and the FBI’s warrantless surveillance and violations of his constitutional rights. The case, Jabara v. Kelley, resulted in a federal court ruling that the FBI had infringed on Jabara’s First and Fourth Amendment rights. The settlement required the FBI to destroy all records collected on Jabara and acknowledge his lack of criminal conduct. The NSA was also compelled to admit to surveilling an American citizen without a warrant.

Reflecting on the case in a 2013 interview with Democracy Now!, Jabara revealed that the expunged files had been shared with three foreign governments and 17 domestic agencies, underscoring the far-reaching impact of government overreach.

“Throughout his career - and in his fight for justice - Jabara’s commitment to upholding all people's constitutional rights and liberties has always remained paramount.”

Impact on Arab American Studies and the Broader Community

The $100,000 endowment is pivotal for Arab American studies and advocacy in higher education. The Center for Arab American Studies at U of M-Dearborn is recognized as a national leader, offering unique academic programs and fostering partnerships with institutions such as the Arab American National Museum. The new scholarship fund will further support students passionate about research, translation, and community engagement, helping cultivate a new generation of leaders in Arab American studies and social justice.

According to the Arab American Institute, Michigan is home to one of the largest Arab American populations in the United States, with more than 200,000 residents of Arab descent. The Detroit metropolitan area, including Dearborn, is a vibrant hub for Arab American culture, business, and civic life. The continued growth and visibility of Arab American studies programs are crucial for promoting understanding, inclusion, and accurate representation of this diverse community.

The Significance of Philanthropy in Higher Education

Jabara’s gift follows a growing trend of philanthropic support for ethnic studies and social justice initiatives in American universities. Endowments like his play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of academic programs, supporting student research, and expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups. According to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), charitable giving to U.S. higher education institutions reached $54.5 billion in 2023, with a notable increase in gifts earmarked for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

“This donation will enhance student-led research, internships, and coursework at the center and the Arab American National Museum. The endowment will also establish the Holly Maguigan and Abdeen M. Jabara Scholarship Fund.”

A Lasting Legacy

Jabara’s endowment is expected to have a lasting impact on the University of Michigan-Dearborn and the broader Arab American community. The fund will empower students to pursue academic excellence and advocate for social justice by supporting research, internships, and translation projects. The partnership between the university and the Arab American National Museum will be further strengthened, creating new opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange.

As Wessam Elmeligi, director of CAAS, remarked, “Our students are fortunate to receive such support and be inspired by Abdeen Jabara's long-standing contributions and commitment to enriching our community and our university.”

With this gift, Abdeen Jabara continues his lifelong mission to advance civil rights, promote education, and empower future generations. The endowment is a testament to his enduring belief in justice, equality, and the transformative power of education.