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Douglas College Hosts an Unlearn Islamophobia Event
5-02-2017
In light of the recent mass shooting at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City, as well as the recent travel ban in the United States, the Douglas College community felt strongly about showing solidarity to the Muslim community. Sociology professor Lisa Smith, in collaboration with the Douglas Student Union, and various groups from around campus got together to see how they could work together to create an event to stand with those impacted, and to offer condolences and support directly to the community most affected.
The ‘Unlearn Islamophobia’ event which was held at the New Westminster campus of Douglas College on March 16, 2017, gave Douglas College students and staff the chance to express their support and learn more about Islam.
The 4 hour event brought together a diverse group of planners, and activities including a postcard-writing station where people could write messages to the mosque in Quebec City, a banner with messages of love, hope, and support to the Douglas College Muslim community. On the main screen passersby could watch TED talks on Islam, as well as music videos and spoken from an array of Muslim artists and musicians.
Community Developer Naveen Zafar, who played an instrumental part in the planning process, was present to educate and engage with the students and staff, and facilitated a trivia game on Islam to further drive dialogue. Copies of a poem by Douglas College student Nusaybah Megarief on some of the realities faced by the Muslim world, were also shared.
It is our hope that through the conversations we had on this day, and the pledging to learn the truth and address misconceptions, that we all learned something. We also hope that the messages of compassion that we shared will lead to us feeling more connected to each other, and becoming bolder in the face of prejudice.
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