Feb 1996 News Fly Around

MATT

February 22 - Columbus -- Muslim employees of AT&T, Columbus, have formed an official group at the company called MATT (Muslims at AT&T). the objectives of this group are "to support and provide resources for the Muslim associates at the Columbus Works" and to "facilitate a better understanding of Islamic ideology and culture at the Columbus Works" according to their by-laws. Among their activities is public relations and increasing awareness. This is done by participating in activities in the workplace and by inviting guest speakers to address issues that face Muslim employees in the workplace and address stereotyping of Muslims in general.

The group also has some social activities for occasions such as a collective family iftar in Ramadan. The group meets regularly to discuss 1. issues that relate to Muslims in the workplace, and 2. study teachings from Quran and Sunnah. the group also has a room for congregational prayer where Dhuhr and Asr prayers are performed. AT&T at Columbus has about 20 Muslim employees. Similar groups within AT&T exist in Illinois and New Jersey.