Set up a local hotline that Arab- Americans and other citizens could call if they've experienced race-related threats or discrimination.

Send representatives of the Muslim community into public schools to talk to students about their religion.

These were among the suggestions heard Wednesday evening as the city of Kalamazoo's Community Relations Board hosted a forum with local Muslims and representatives of the Arab-American community.

"I think it's a good start, a building block to start a working relationship with the city of Kalamazoo ... to raise awareness regarding issues that concern our (Arab-American and Muslim) community," said Ali Labib, president of the American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee's greater Kalamazoo chapter.

The meeting, held on the campus of Western Michigan University, drew about 25 people who discussed discrimination concerns they have both locally and nationally.

"After Sept. 11, everything has changed," said Labib, who has lived in Kalamazoo for more than 20 years. "Emotions are rising high."

Labib said he is concerned about a backlash against Arab-Americans if and when the United States attacks Iraq. "We want the city to take a leadership role," he said. "To make a public statement to address tolerance.

"I believe we've been fortunate, he said. "We did not have major instances (after 9-11), but there were individual instances where people were targeted. We want the city to take a proactive role to address those issues."

Lynwood Bartley, vice chair of the Community Relations Board, said the meeting was helpful in "identifying some issues" that Arab-Americans in Kalamazoo face.

"I didn't really have a clear understanding of what the needs would be," Bartley said. "The biggest thing I see is a need to be connected to the community."

Community Relations Board members made it clear they were not able to come up with immediate solutions or proactive plans Wednesday night, though some in the audience had suggestions.

Months after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Abubakar Alhassan, a WMU graduate student, was invited to a local high school to speak to students about the Islamic faith.

"The students' perception is what they see on television and in the movies," Alhassan said. "What the city should know is that there are people on campus who are willing to come and speak (in schools)."

Labib said that he would also like to work with the city to focus on understanding through education. He also suggested that the city produce some of its printed materials in Arabic. He estimated that there are at least 500 Arab-Americans living in and around Kalamazoo and roughly 1,500 Muslims, a "very conservative" guess, he said.

The Community Relations Board is an advisory board to city officials. The board meets on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. on the third floor of City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.

Craig McCool can be reached at 388-8575 or cmccool@kalamazoogazette.com.