On Wednesday December 2, The Siena College Muslim Students Association (MSA) came together with fellow students and other members of the Siena community to launch the “I’m a Muslim and I’m NOT a Terrorist” campaign. The group’s initiative is aimed at sharing their thoughts on the recent Islamopohobia in response to the attacks in Paris, and educating people on the beliefs and teachings of Islam.
Siena’s MSA works to unite the many faiths and cultures at Siena on a daily basis, but the enormity of the recent events has inspired them to speak out further. Bushra Asghar ’17, secretary of the MSA, spoke out against the media’s discrimination of Muslims after the recent attacks in Paris but also believes that the unfair representation has been an issue in the world for many years.
"With how popular social media is within our society today, I personally cannot go a day without hearing about a hate crime that happened to someone because they look like the American definition of a terrorist.”
Asghar’s message for unity in our diversity was echoed by her peers as each came up to speak. Sara Khan ’16 urged the audience to learn more about the Islamic faith by visiting a local Mosque or getting to know Muslims in the community.
“If you want to know who a Muslim truly is, and what Muslims truly represent, look at me and all the people behind me. We are real American Muslims and terrorists have nothing to do with our faith.”
Asghar, Khan and other members of the MSA will continue to work towards educating the community and welcome all who are interested in learning more to take part in their meetings and events.
To view the MSA "I'm a Muslim and I'm NOT a Terrorist" campaign video please click here.
