Nearly 200 people listened last night as a panel of Ohio University faculty and students discussed Islamophobia in America and what students can do to combat it.
OU Student Senate's Minority Affairs Commission, the Muslim Students Association and Students Teaching About Racism in Society organized the event, which focused on Americans' sentiments toward Islam and Muslims.
I find it extremely disturbing that people can bring a hateful message for political ends
said Savas Kaya, a professor of engineering and adviser to the Muslim Students Association.
Kaya was on the panel along with classics and world religions professor Loren Lybarger; Muslim Student Association President Salah Awad; S.T.A.R.S. Vice President Alex Maza and S.T.A.R.S. President Laura Hyde.
The panelists explored current events and common misconceptions about Islam. Video clips examining Americans' thoughts about Muslims were also shown during the discussion.
We tend to judge before we learn Kaya said. ... We are trying to understand Islam in the hands of a few extremists.
Islam is not a monolith. Muslims are not one type and one measure.
Panelists talked about how some people associate Islam with terrorism.
It is unfortunate Awad said. People think Islam asks for killing, he said.
The panel also answered written questions from the audience
dealing with topics from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to Americans' interest in the hijab
a traditional head covering worn by Muslim women.
Hannah Brevoort
a sophomore studying history
said she is interested in learning more about Islam.
I try and educate myself about this sort of thing, she said. It was interesting to learn more about the hijab.
Eric Santiago
a graduate student in the Southeast Asian studies program
said he was interested to find out what people think about Islam and how America can combat Islamophobia.
I think Muslims are going to have to face the fire, he said
comparing the current state of American Muslims to African Americans in the 1960s. Somebody has to stand up.
The panelists concluded the discussion by naming ways for OU students to fight Islamophobia. Kaya stressed education and tolerance of other cultures
saying students should try to become more informed about Islam.
You have got to explore your comfort zone and get out of it a little bit, he said.
,",1,News,Joe Fox,33015a.jpg,Dr. Savas Kaya listens to Dr. Loren Lyaburger as the panel at
