ISLAMOPHOBIA

Every event I  attend lately on UW-L's campus begins with the statement to recognize the land where we are which is Ho-Chunk. To be present at a lecture regarding another culture's presence is even more poignant lest we forget we are all immigrants in this country unless we are Native American. Even better since the evening's attendance overflowed into the adjacent lecture hall with "Islamophobia" being the presentation in UW-L 's Centennial Hall sponsored by the Committee for Social Justice consisting of student, staff and community members.

Social Justice Committee

Ironically our speaker on Islamophobia, Corey Saylor, from CAIR 
(Council of American Islamic Relations) overnighted in the hotel next to where Donald Trump, now renowned for furthering anti Muslim sentiment in our country, was holding his rally the following day. It wasn't that long ago that it was the Jews that were refused entry into the U.S. and now Mr.Trump wants to not allow Muslims entry...

Segway into the evening's topic of Islamophobia, a close minded prejudice/hate of Islam / Muslims. Its four contributors are extremist violent groups (i.e. ISIS), a myopic focus of the media, politicians exploiting fear and the internet in the U.S. 

Saylor cited issues where other minorities have supported the Islamic community and the inverse where the Islamic community has extended a hand to help their American neighbors (i.e.  supplying over 100,000 of clean bottled water for Flint, MI and helping rebuild Black churches...) 

Saylor cites using humor and grace to change negative to positive. operating outside of one's comfort zone, being an optimist, know ing everything is difficult, circulating optimism with pragmatism with the goal of the U.S. living up to its ideals, consulting more than one media source and taking action by being involved in community organizations. 

One such action is the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse now issuing its Statement of Solidarity with the Muslim Community:

"The negative rhetoric and increasing discrimination against Muslims across the United States compels our campus community to reaffirm one of our core values, that of recognizing and embracing “the strength that resides in our human diversity, both culturally and intellectually.”  We are committed to the inclusion and acceptance of people of all religious beliefs. We reject hostility and hateful rhetoric directed at Muslims, and we oppose religious bigotry and racism in all its forms.   

As a campus, our mission is to serve the community “by providing a welcoming environment that facilitates learning opportunities, embraces diversity, and enriches the campus experience.”  As faculty, staff, and students, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for Muslims in and beyond our community. We value the contributions made every day by Muslim faculty, staff, and students at UWL. By cultivating friendships with Muslims and challenging Islamophobia, we renew our commitment to being a community that respects and celebrates different beliefs in our pursuit of knowledge and peace in the 21st century."

Even an institution can take appropriate measures. Poco a poco, (little by little) we can practice humanity. 

If each of us stands up for others even here in the End of the Rainbow Valley, the world will be a better place.