By: Kelsey Aylor, Staff Writer
On Jan. 14, a resolution on religious tolerance was forwarded campus-wide from Provost Dennis Wiseman. The resolution declares that the college finds prejudice or discrimination against members of any religious group antithetical to its values and to the practice of liberal arts education. This resolution holds important implications to the diversity and inclusion of Wofford’s campus.
Wofford has over half a dozen religious groups for students on campus, but the majority are based on or targeted towards Christians. Anum Ahmed, a member of the Muslim Students Association, is hopeful about the impact that the resolution will have toward diversifying the campus and sharing awareness and tolerance.
“Wofford’s MSA has become quite diverse in the past few years, with members of several different faiths, or no particular faith at all,” says Ahmed. “Members of the MSA seek to simply understand our faiths, friends and community in a more inclusive way. Wofford has been a great platform for religious tolerance between the various faith groups on campus, so I’m looking forward to see how this resolution impacts the future.”
The Muslim Students Association is an open forum for Muslim students, whether practicing or non-practicing, liberal or conservative or American or non-American, to discuss issues and ideas. The organization is also open to any student, including non-Muslims, as a way to become more informed about the religion of Islam.
On March 10 at 11 a.m., the MSA will be holding an event in conjunction with the Gender and Society Committee in honor of Women’s History Month. The event, titled “In Her Shoes: Experience the Hijab,” will provide an open display of hijabs as well as information on them. Students will also have the chance to try on the hijab and will be encouraged to reflect on their perception of it both before and after wearing it.
“This event will try to dispel the common misconception that the hijab is a way to subjugate women,” says Ahmed. “On the contrary, the hijab is intended to free women from subjection to expectations, gaze and societal constructs. The core essence of the concept of the hijab is intended as a means to establish women’s independence.”
If interested in attending this event or similar events, visit http://www.wofford.edu/newsroom/2016/March-events-at-Wofford/ for a complete list.