ICOSA News Items
Sikhs, Muslims, & Arabs: Civil Rights in Post 9/11 America
*For informational purposes only. Not formally endorsed by ICOSA *SIKHS, MUSLIMS & ARABS
Civil Rights in Post 9/11 America
Five years ago, the United States of America suffered tragedy at the hands of Islamic fundamentalists. Unfortunately,negative media-based stereotypes, a communal sense of fear, and a general ignorance towards the Sikh, Muslim, and Arab communities, led to a violent backlash throughout the US.
In collaboration with the Students Creating Awareness of the Sikh Faith of Trinity University, the Sikh Research Institute is hosting an event to address legal and policy challenges facing a number of minority communities in today’s America.
Overviews of the Sikh and Islamic traditions will also be provided to demolish existing stereotypes and further awareness.
Time 7 – 9 pm
Date Monday – 24 April 2006
Location Chapman Auditorium, Trinity University
With the support of Trinity University bodies – the Parker Chapel, Trinity Multicultural Network, and Departments of Political Science, Religion, Sociology, and Anthropology – the evening program will consist of the following
presentations:
* Sikhī: The Faith & Its Adherents
Harinder Singh
Executive Director, Sikh Research Institute
An interdisciplinary researcher and global orator, Singh’s expertise is on the culture, politics, religion, language, and developmental issues related to the Sikhs, Pańjāb, and South Asia. Singh is active with Oxford Sikh Scholarship
Foundation, National Conference for Community and Justice, and the Nanakshahi Trust.
* A Brief Introduction to Islam
Ruqayya Khan
Assistant Professor of Religion, Trinity University
A leading Islamic scholar in the South Texas region, Dr. Khan earned her Ph.D. in Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. With several published articles under her belt, Dr. Khan will clear up common misconceptions as she presents the basics of the Islamic tradition.
* Integration, Accommodation, or Assimilation? Being American While Remaining True to Our Spiritual Values
Amardeep Singh
Legal Director & Co-Founder, The Sikh Coalition
The keynote speaker formerly worked with Human Rights Watch where he authored a report in his area of expertise:
“We Are Not the Enemy, Hate Crimes against Arabs, Muslims, and Those Perceived to be Arab or Muslim after September 11.” Mr. Singh presently teaches a course for Columbia University’s Center on the Study of Ethnicity and
Race on immigration law and ethnic identity.
Following the keynote lecture, the audience will have the opportunity to ask all presenters questions pertaining to issues of religion and civil rights concerning Sikhs, Muslims, and Arabs. At the conclusion of the program, the audience is
invited to attend a reception that will honor the work and achievements of the speakers.
Please address all questions, comments, or concerns to simran.singh@sikhri.org.
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