In “Opening Eyes and Minds,” contributing editor Dina Horwedel looks at the current campus climate for Muslim scholars and students. Many Muslims attribute the ongoing war in Iraq and media coverage that focuses on Islamic extremism as two reasons for the growing negative perceptions of Muslims. Students also say they feel obligated to defend their religion and speak on behalf of all Muslims.
Helping students cope with issues related to their faith and nationality, as well as other identity issues, is where Muslim chaplains Ruhmee Ahmed and Yahya Hendi come in. Ahmed was recently hired as Brown University’s first Muslim chaplain, and after serving as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy, Hendi too is now in the university setting. In “Call to Lead,” assistant editor Kendra Hamilton explores their diverse paths to the chaplaincy as well as their roles on their respective campuses.
Lastly, Diverse online editor Shilpa Banerji, a native of India, in “Pens, Papers and Passports,” looks at the growing number of students at U.S. institutions that are seeking to get a piece of the booming Indian economy. Several top-tier business school programs are sponsoring trips to India, allowing their students to get acquainted with not only Indian business executives, many of whom are alumni, but with the country itself. As one University of Chicago student put it, “India is a hot topic, and everyone wants a piece of it.”
Hilary Hurd Anyaso
Editor
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
