Students respond to recent Islamophobia in staunch support of Muslim community
‘There are extremists in all walks of life. Let us support all who seek to practice their spiritual beliefs with their respective communities of faith’
A Google form is circulating around e-mail and Facebook pages, asking U.Va students and faculty to pledge their support towards the Muslim community in the wake of recent Islamophobia both at large and on college campuses.
Students have responded by signing a petition letting the members of the U.Va Muslim community know of their “support and love for our Muslim students, colleagues, and friends, along with their families and communities” and their “welcome, without regard to origin or faith, all who wish to join our community.”
So far, the responses have been heartwarmingly positive.
One statement laments exclusivity in regards to faith: “I am deeply saddened that many Muslim students may not feel welcome at UVA. I know that my learning experience has been deeply enriched by the perspectives, ideas, and passions of my Muslim peers.”
Another statement lets the Muslim community know their valued place at U.Va: “You have many allies here. We embrace our differences. We value you.”
There are many statements simply saying, “As-salamu alaykum,” or the common Muslim greeting of “peace be with you.”
One student says, “The Muslim community has contributed so much to my own field, conflict resolution and peace building.
He continues, even citing Jefferson: “‘The constitutional freedom of religion [is] the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights.’ -Thomas Jefferson: Virginia Board of Visitors Minutes, 1819”
Click here to sign up in solidarity, and here to see the rest of the responses.