Steven Emerson and the Investigative Project on Terrorism have revealed that on Oct. 19, 2011, Muslim Advocates President and Executive Director Farhana Khera sent a letter to Chief Counterterrorism Advisor John Brennan, listing numerous Islamic-based grievances against the FBI. On Nov. 3, 2011, Brennan capitulated and began a fundamental change of FBI practices.

Khera charged that the FBI was bigoted, that they kept “antiquated and offensive documents about Muslims and Islam” on their intranet, and that some new recruits to the FBI were taught “that Islam is a religion that ‘transforms a country’s culture into 7th-century Arabian ways.'”

Regarding the “antiquated and offensive documents,” it appears the FBI had kept 19th and early 20th century texts which do not comport with politically correct language on their intranet. Khera was saying that old texts and other FBI counterterrorism training materials had to go. 

Brennan responded:

I am aware of the recent unfortunate incidents that have highlighted examples of substandard and offensive training that some United States Government elements have either sponsored or delivered. Any and all such training runs completely counter to our values, [and] our commitment to strong partnerships with communities across the country…

Khera’s letter requested the creation of an “interagency task force” to address these issues and bring the FBI and all of DHS into compliance with Islamic sensibilities.

Brennan said such a review was already underway by the administration in order to improve training for “countering violent extremism” (CVE). The process would include combining “cultural awareness” with the CVE “training guidance and best practices” directives. It also meant putting out “a bulletin” to state, local, and tribal entities that “regularly leverage federal grants to fund CVE-related trainings” to provide guidance in their efforts.

FBI training curriculum was changed, and Brennan assured Khera that even more changes were on the way to improve “cultural competency training across the United States Government.”

America’s greatest strength is its values, and we are committed to pursuing policies and approaches that draw strength from our values and our people irrespective of their race, religion or ethnic background.

Brennan’s letter can be found in its entirety below: