College Will Host Panel Discussion on Islam

What does it mean to be Muslim today? What challenges do Muslims face in their daily lives? What should people know about Islam—in the United States and abroad?

Smith faculty from a range of academic areas will explore these and related questions in a panel discussion on “Demystifying Daesh/ISIS and Confronting Islamophobia.” The event, to be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in Helen Hills Hills Chapel, is open to the Smith community.

The idea for a panel discussion grew out of conversations with students in recent weeks, said Smith’s chief diversity officer, Dwight Hamilton.

“Misconceptions about Islam are causing detrimental effects to our students,” he said. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for our community to learn more about the academic and political issues related to Daesh/ISIS and why that organization does not represent the religion,” he added, “and to offer insight about what’s happening with regard to recent world events.”

But Hamilton notes that the issue isn’t only academic. “We also think it’s important to offer a broader look at Islam and to talk about challenges that our students who are Muslim face in their daily lives, both on campus and in the surrounding community,” he said. “Islamophobia is a real phenomenon—and it’s an issue that’s getting worse. It’s important to help people understand that Islam isn’t what is being portrayed in news reports and in political speeches.”

Smith faculty eagerly accepted the students’ request to speak. Participating on the panel are faculty members:

• Ambreen Hai, professor of English language and literature
• Mehammed Mack, assistant professor of French studies
• Greg White, the Mary Huggins Gamble Professor of Government
• Steven Heydemann, the Janet Wright Ketcham ’53 Chair in Middle East Studies

The panel is sponsored by the Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, and Smith’s Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Hamilton hopes that it is the first of many discussions on this topic.

“This is an important issue—not just for our students, but for the world beyond campus,” he said. “We hope this event helps increase understanding and support for all members of our community.”