A Muslim Commission Was Tried in Illinois
It Failed Before a Single Recommendation
Massachusetts legislators have proposed a Muslim Commission to “identify and recommend qualified American Muslims for appointive positions at all levels of government.” This plan was tried before in Illinois, where it failed before issuing a single recommendation.
Illinois Public Act 100-0459 “created the Illinois Muslim American Advisory Council.” The council’s stated purposes include “to advance the role and civic participation of Muslim Americans in this State” and “to build relationships with and disseminate information to, in cooperation with State agencies, boards, and commissions, Muslim American and immigrant communities across this State.”
The council failed immediately, never reaching quorum. The latest Illinois Expiration and Vacancies report, published in July 2026, listed the council as “inactive.”
The partially filled council includes these figures:
| Name | Appointed by | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bushra Amiwala | Don HarmonSenate President | A Democratic primary candidate who ran on Medicare for all / asylum, and who boycotted the 2024 DNC over Biden’s support of alleged ‘genocide’ by Israel. |
| Diana Alfaro | Illinois DCEOEx officio | The State of Illinois’ “Latinx Business Development Manager.” |
| Ayesha Patel | Illinois CMSEx officio | The author of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services Affirmative Action plan. |
| Itedal Shalabi | Michael MadiganHouse Speaker | The founder of a nonprofit that provides “cultural and linguistic case management services and advocacy to immigrants, refugees, and community members at large.” |
Democratic Governors Pat Quinn and J.B. Pritzker both declined to appoint any members. In 2021, Pritzker’s office stated “they have not been prioritized.”
The Muslim American Advisory Council was an immediate non-starter, even for Democratic governors Pat Quinn and J.B. Pritzger. Given the statements made by the council’s members and advocates, it is no surprise that the Governors did not get involved.
The Muslim American Advisory Council now sits in limbo. In 2022, Public Act 101-657 placed its operations under the Commission on Equity and Inclusion. CEI’s legislative-reference page says the council has remained inoperable. Neither Governor Pritzker or Illinois legislators appear to be taking moves to finish appointing its members or to cancel it. Governor Pritzker’s office did not respond to our request for comment.