Campus Diversity

I can contribute to campus diversity by providing an Islamic outlook of life in the United States. Living in a world where Islam is misrepresented, many people do not fully understand what the religion teaches. As a result, Muslims feel targeted when engaging in everyday activities, especially when travelling. Muslims cannot travel without being pulled away from everyone else for hours of additional screening. Being perceived as a security threat on the basis of religion alone is unacceptable, especially in a country that takes pride in its religious freedom and acceptance. These discriminatory practices are a direct result of anti-Muslim rhetoric in politics and in the media, as it allows people to feel that these actions are justifiable.

For example, during my freshman year of high school, I met a student that grew up with a strong sense of abhorrence towards Muslims. Everything he thought he knew about Islam was based on the inaccurate portrayal of Muslims. Prior to meeting me, he has never actually met a Muslim. Four years later, we consider each other to be close friends. Had we not met, and had exposed my Muslim identity, we might not have had the conversation that leads to the proper representation of Islam. For a much longer duration, he could have continued to have the wrong idea about me and my religion. I can bring this effect that I have to NC State. By conversing with others and addressing the inaccuracies of what Islam teaches, I can help to further people's education outside of class.