Winona State University will host “Islamophobia in America: How Did We Get Here?” with Dr. Sheikh Odeh Muhawesh from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 2 in East Hall, Kryzsko Commons.
Muhawesh will examine the historical narrative that led to the rise of Islamophobia in today’s society, and how religious and socioeconomic powers shape the political discourse between Christianity and the Islam world in a negative fashion despite the theological proximities between the two faiths. He will also delve into the idea of permitting Islamophobia as an accepted norm across all forms of society.
As a graduate of the Global Institute for Islamic Students where he earned his Ph.D. in comparative theology, Muhawesh is an author of numerous books and essays discussing the world history of religions. Muhawesh is currently an adjunct professor of theology at the University of St. Thomas (Minn.), and speaks at many churches, synagogues, colleges, and universities around the nation.
This event is hosted by the Muslim Student Association, WSU’s Inclusion and Diversity Office, WSU’s Equity Theme Team, WSU’s KEAP Diversity Resource Center, WSU’s Housing and Residence Life and Minnesota State – Southeast Technical College.
The 2015-16 University Theme, Equity as a Human Right: Building Inclusive Community, is about upholding people’s rights, valuing diversity, challenging intolerance, and making institutional change around issues of social justice. For WSU and its communities partnering around a university theme has proven to be an effective strategy for bringing faculty, staff, students, and community members to the engagement table. The year-long focus will enable students, faculty, staff, and members of the wider Winona and Rochester communities to explore the intersections of identifies, cultures, and abilities.
For more information contact Alex Hines at ahines@winona.edu.
