Trump, the GOP front-runner in the presidential race, set off a furor this week when he said he wanted to prohibit Muslims from entering the United States in the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris and in San Bernardino, California. It was the latest in a string of inflammatory statements from Trump that have drawn ire from minority groups, including his description of Mexican immigrants as "rapists" and "killers."
The civil rights groups' resolution doesn't call out Trump by name, but says the 2016 presidential campaign has "incited disturbing levels of fear mongering and demagoguery" against religious minorities and communities of color. The resolution urges against policies targeting Muslims floated by Trump, such as surveillance of mosques and a national database.
"This is too important an issue to ignore, too important an issue to allow us to remain silent," said Wade Henderson, the CEO and president of the leadership conference.
Naheed Qureshi, deputy director of Muslim Advocates, said groups like hers are hearing record reports of discrimination and hate crimes against Muslims.
"It's dehumanizing and demoralizing," said Qureshi, who helped develop the resolution. "We're optimistic people are finally recognizing things have gone way too far."
A spokeswoman for Trump didn't immediately return a request for comment.


