Ohio University student leaders and faculty members will discuss Islamophobia in America tonight during a panel discussion in Baker University Center Theater.
The discussion, titled Islamophobia: Dispelling the Myth
was organized by Student Senate's Minority Affairs Commission, the Muslim Student Association and Students Teaching About Racism in Society (S.T.A.R.S.). Islamophobia is a term referring to an irrational fear or hatred of Muslims.
Sarah Williams, Student Senate's minority affairs vice-commissioner, said the panel should help non-Muslim students gain a better understanding of Muslim culture and an important social issue.
This past summer and early fall there was a lot in the news about Islamophobia she said. There was an underlying tone of fear and ignorance and intolerance.
The panel includes Savas Kaya, an engineering professor and adviser to the Muslim Student Association; Loren Lybarger, professor of classics and world religions; Salah Awad, president of the Muslim Student Association; Laura Hyde, president of S.T.A.R.S.; and Alex Maza, vice-president of S.T.A.R.S., according to the event's Facebook page. More than 150 people have said they will attend.
I'm hoping that they'll get a better awareness and understanding about the nation and the community of Islam
Hyde said, later adding that she feels a level of anti-Islamic sentiment on campus, especially from students who do not interact with the Muslim community often.
I think that it's really easy for people not to think about it
she said.
The panel will show video clips and take anonymous written questions from the audience, Hyde said.
Student Senate President Jesse Neader said he plans to attend.
I think that when we can start talking racism
when we start talking about classism ... I think that it's a pertinent discussion
he said. We often don't focus on anti-Islamic tendencies. It's important to have the conversation.
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Joe Fox
