In response to the growing misunderstanding about Islam and Muslims, the Islamic Center launched the Muslim Political Action Committee in 1986, led by Dr. Maher Hathout and Salam Al-Marayati, a Muslim Youth Group alumnus. Its name was changed to the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), becoming one of the most prominent organizations established by the Islamic Center. MPAC works diligently to foster a vibrant Muslim American identity and to represent the interests of Muslim Americans to decision makers in government agencies, media outlets, interfaith circles and Hollywood studios. MPAC has since opened various chapters and offices. Salam Al-Marayati continues to serve as President and is a prolific writer and public speaker who is a frequent guest and writer on many news outlets. In his Sept. 2, 2015, Op-ed in CNN.com titled “No, ISIS doesn’t represent Islam,” he said that “American Muslims must consistently do more to define Islam to the broader public, rather than simply responding to each outrage by an extremist group. ISIS should be treated with no more credibility than any other group of fanatics.”