Assembly Raises Questions Regarding Cultural Acceptance and Islamophobia

Members of the community reflected on experiences of human sympathy and indifference, both on campus and in the world, at Tuesday’s assembly. The reflections responded to the surge of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States and called attention to the prevalence of xenophobic rhetoric in the world today and its effect on the Exeter community.Recently, Principal Lisa MacFarlane approached mathematics instructor Sami Atif to lament the racist trends in the media and the rise of hateful speech toward Muslims. Together, MacFarlane and Atif decided to counter the trends by forming a forum of students and adults that included religion instructor Thomas Simpson, senior Tan Nazer, upper Ahmad Rahman, religion instructor Rabbi Jennifer Marx-Asch, Dean of Multicultural Affairs Rosanna Salcedo and MacFarlane.In starting a conversation about the current heightened intolerance, students were prompted to rethink the way they perceive and treat those different from themselves.

“It’s not a question of freedom of speech or political correctness; the idea is that you’re hurting someone.”

Often, pure ignorance leads to intolerance. This applies to the treatment of Muslims, who Atif said are largely misunderstood. “We only have one kind of understanding of what Muslims look like, when in actuality, Muslims are the most diverse group in the entire country, in terms of class, race, national origin,” Atif said.The different identities of the speakers introduced multiple unique experiences and perspectives.“The assembly had various voices to show that bigotry and lack of knowledge affect multiple identities. The point of this assembly was to show that members of our community are being hurt by this ignorance,” Intern of Multicultural Affairs Danielle Lucero said.According to MacFarlane, assembly serves as a time for the community to come together and consider subjects that influence more than the school itself.“We also wanted to affirm Exeter’s values: we embrace, respect and care for one another, always. We believe in the liberation of human potential and especially in our potential for good,” MacFarlane said.Salcedo shared the frequent exchange she has with students about the sentiment of not belonging, an issue many face today because of the fear and hatred spread by the media. Atif hopes that citizens make an effort to educate themselves as hatred and ignorance is spread through the presidential campaign.Unlike most assemblies, which feature one speaker divulging one perspective, the topics discussed on Tuesday concern all of humanity.Faculty and students hope that the assembly acted as an effective catalyst to spark active conversation on campus and that Exonians will keep the dialogue going.“This isn’t a one-and-done assembly. It’s like an invitation for the community to open up and start talking about these issues,” Marx-Asch said.Rahman reflected on Bryan Stevenson’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day speech from the previous year, encouraging students to ask questions and do research.“I hope that people don’t just brush it off as another assembly, that people actually take care to internalize what was said, [and the important points of] education and proximity, especially since we’re at this school,” he said.The assembly was not intended to target any individuals for specific wrongs, but to remind students to be mindful of topics that require compassion and understanding.“It’s not a response to critiquing specific candidates or putting more negativity out there, but [about] the idea that we as Exeter are saying: this is our world, our country, and our space here. What kind of values do we want to have?” Marx-Asch said.Moreover, Atif stressed the importance of the role of allies and bystanders. “Terrorism affects [Muslims] more directly than any other group. I think it’s a stronger voice if it comes from an ally, someone who has power to say ‘I’m uncomfortable’ and ‘I’m displeased as an American’ about what’s going on,” he said.In her speech, Salcedo challenged the Exonian student body to consider how they wanted to use their privilege. “Is Exeter educating the next generation of liberators or of oppressors?” Salcedo asked. “Which will you be?”In a community such as Exeter, a place abundant with diversity of race, class, sexuality and more, opinions are bound to clash. However, Marx-Asch cautioned students to be open-minded and considerate when someone is offended by another’s behavior.“It’s not a question of freedom of speech or political correctness; the idea is that you’re hurting someone,” Marx-Asch said.MacFarlane encouraged Exonians to ask friends about their faith, their culture, their home and their traditions. “Be open to points of view that are different from your own. Consider how what you say might affect other people,” she said.She explained that one of the best ways to pursue compassion is by learning about the people around us. “Take classes that introduce you to ideas, parts of the world and traditions that are different from what you already know. Go to programs and events that challenge your own habits of thought,” MacFarlane said. “Cherish these opportunities to get to know one another.”