FAISALKUTTY
Professor, Lawyer, Writer, Human Rights
Activist and Public Speaker
Faisal Kutty
Faisal Kutty is a Muslim lawyer, law professor, writer, and public intellectual. With a career spanning law, academia, and public advocacy, he brings a nuanced and informed perspective on Islam, law, human rights, international law, comparative law, media criticism, and global affairs. His expertise lies in fostering a deeper understanding of Islam and Muslims, particularly in the context of law, policy, and societal engagement. Born in Kerala, India, Faisal grew up in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, where he attended French Catholic schools, public middle and high school, and pursued higher education at York University, the University of Ottawa Faculty of Common Law, and Osgoode Hall Law School of York University. He practiced law in Toronto, addressing the unique legal needs of Canada’s growing Muslim population. He has taught at Osgoode Hall Law School of York University (Toronto), Barry University School of
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
For the past 8 consecutive years Faisal has been included in The Muslim 500: The World’s Most Influential Muslims, an annual compilation published by The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Institute which is affiliated with the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought headquartered in Amman, Jordan.
In 2017, he was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award by Valparaiso University for exemplifying Dr. King’s vision through words and deeds on campus and the broader community
In 2015, he was awarded the Distinguished Teaching Award by the Valparaiso University Alumni Association.
In 2016, he was presented with an Award of Excellence for his work in promoting human rights and justice by the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA).
In 2012, he was awarded the iCair Civil Rights Award from the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) for his work in advancing human rights globally.
In 2007, he was awarded the Maher Arar and Monia Award in Civil and Human Rights from Maher Arar/Monia Mazigh and the Canadian Muslim Network for his work in advancing civil and human rights in Canada.
In 2004, he was awarded the Professional Excellence Award by the American Federation of Muslims from India.
In 2003, he was awarded the Community Service Award from the Toronto Community Resources Consultants for his work in advancing human rights in Toronto.
Faisal Kutty was profiled as one of the 150 natives of Scarborough who work to improve Scarborough for others in commemoration of Canada’s 150th Anniversary.
In 2018, Nominated – Canadian Lawyer Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada
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IN THE NEWS
Anti-Islamophobia motion could stifle free speech, say critics
To Faisal Kutty, an associate law professor at Valparaiso University in Indiana and Osgoode Hall in Toronto, M-103 is a good idea “because of the growing hate that we see towards Muslims.”
“Statistics were released last year which showed that anti-Islam, anti-Muslim hate has increased — has doubled in a two-year period,” Kutty tells The Current’s Anna Maria Tremonti.
Exploring the roots of Islamophobia in North America
In the past week, we’ve seen the chaotic implementation of a travel ban barring people from 7 majority-Muslim nations from entering the U.S. and a deadly attack on Muslims at prayer.
Two guests discuss the state of Islamophobia in North America.
Faisal Kutty – Fighting for human rights and social justice
Faisal Kutty cut his teeth on human rights issues. His personal journey transformed him from an ostracized immigrant and underperforming student to being named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world. The Valparaiso University Law School associate professor remembers vividly, as a five-year-old, running from town to town in India and hiding with family and friends to escape his father’s arrest as a political dissident.
West encourages VU crowd to examine lives, seek justice
The convocation also served as a platform to present the Martin Luther King Jr. Awards to two faculty members for their significant contributions to diversity to the campus community and beyond.
VU President Mark Heckler recognized Heath Carter and Faisal Kutty.
Kutty is an associate professor of law at the Valparaiso University Law School and was honored for enhancing the dialogue of race and inclusion at the law school. He was named the one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World, by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Jordan.
You should be worried about Canada’s Anti-terrorism Act
Bill C-51 has more to do with appearing tough on terror than actually making Canadians safe, columnist writes.
In a Toronto Star op-ed, lawyer Faisal Kutty listed a sample of his clients and what they were flagged for, including “an engineering student searching, wait for this, engineering journals; hugging someone at an Eid gathering when this is part of the festive rituals; and attending lectures about rights.”
As lawyer Kutty correctly noted, Canada’s national security framework requires a major overhaul.
US Elections: Muslim Reactions Around the Globe
Troubles are ahead for sure, but America is not doomed. Those who believe otherwise don’t understand the constraints on Presidential powers, the wisdom of the separation of powers doctrine, exaggerate the difference between the two candidates and assume that all Trump voters supported his full package. Most voted for change from the status quo. This was the necessary catharsis to get two Americas to talk to each other and not at each other.
Speak No Evil: Victims Gagged as FBI Violates Rights
Faisal Kutty, a law professor at Valparaiso University and Osgoode Hall Law School said that Microsoft is challenging the gag orders under the First and Fourth Amendments, but neither of its arguments is terribly strong.
“The applicable standard being that the court must find ‘there is reason to believe’ that notice will jeopardize an investigation,” Kutty said. “I believe the indefinite gag orders and low standard pose a First Amendment problem especially if customers never get notice that their data was searched by government agents. But if the government can show that it is not indefinite and that there is a valid basis for delay, then the court would not find a First Amendment problem. The standard of ‘there is reason to believe’ may also be applied too broadly given the national security card.”
The Muslim 500
Faisal Kutty has been selected for the seventh consecutive year for inclusion in The Muslim 500: The Most Influential Muslims in the World (Page 156) 2017 edition.
Up to 20 US Marines face charges in Muslim recruit’s death
“The situation [Islamophobia] is getting so serious that even psychologists have started to weigh in on the damaging impact of such an environment, especially on children,” according to Faisal Kutty
‘Cooker bomb’: 4yo who mispronounced ‘cucumber’ threatened with counter-terrorism program
A four-year-old Asian boy who mispronounced “cucumber” as “cooker bomb” was recommended for a de-radicalisation programme by staff at a UK nursery, the boy’s family has said.
According to the child’s mother, who has not been named, workers at the Luton-based nursery raised the suggestion after the boy drew a picture of a man with a large knife cutting the vegetable.
B’nai Brith smears rabble.ca with ‘white supremacist’ label
On Wednesday morning, an article posted on Aug. 19 on the website of a major national Jewish advocacy organization began to make the rounds on social media. It was a review of Postmedia columnist Sue-Ann Levy’s new book, and it contained a startling allegation
If Donald Trump were campaigning in Canada, could he be charged for hate speech?
On Monday Donald Trump called for a complete ban on Muslims entering the United States “until our country’s representatives can figure out what’s going on.” Despite universal outrage, the billionaire presidential candidate has only doubled down on his vow, the latest in a string of anti-minority comments ranging from the offensive to the downright absurd. Even respectable commentators have started calling him a fascist.
75 Reasons Why Muslims Must Stop With Their Terrorism Condemnation Ritual
There is an online video of a Muslim commentator on Australian television giving an interview to a national news station. In spite of the terrorism committed in the name of Islam, his firm stance in building a progressive case for the role of Muslims in western societies was captivating. He could have spoken from a weak, defensive, apologetic stance that is adopted by some commentators speaking on behalf of Muslims.
Stop telling people what to wear swimming, Canada
I don’t want anyone to be stripped of a scarf, turban or beard. Whether we opt to cover up or flaunt, it has to be our choice
A Muslim brother and sister were turned away from a Scarborough condo pool for wanting to swim in long shorts and Ts.
How Harper systematically mined anti-Muslim prejudices
In times of terrorism, the balance between security and civil rights tilts to the former. The public expects its leaders to stand up to terrorists with resolve. Harper, however, took a leaf out of George W. Bush’s book in stoking fear of Muslim terrorism.
Toronto convention to focus on true message of Islam
A massive Islamic convention this week will help to “inoculate” young Muslims against Islamophobia and throw a counterpunch against those who advocate for extremism, according to a local lawyer.
Tackling Islamophobia on campus
Sirag Syed, the vice-president of university affairs for the Student Association at Durham College and UOIT, is one of the organizers of an upcoming conference on Islamophobia. The college and university campus has seen its fair share of Islamophobia, with references to terrorist group ISIS vandalizing club posters for Muslin and Arab groups on campus, as well as campaign posters for nominees in the recent student elections.
The Oshawa Express
One on One with Faisal Kutty
Faisal Kutty is a divisive character in the ongoing battle between civil liberty advocates and the federal government in Canada. Among political allies — many Muslims and civil rights advocates — Kutty is regarded as one of the few figures in Canada fighting for Muslims targeted by ever-expanding anti-terror programs. Among political enemies, Kutty has been labeled a radical Islamist.
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