Islamic representation is coming to Neumann University in April with a week of engaging events intended to inform and transform students by opening them to a discussion of Islamic culture.
Victor Betancourt, Associate Provost for Global Engagement and Senior International Officer, is part of Neumann University's DEI board and his enthusiasm to bring Islamic Awareness Week to Neumann began with reaching out to Campus Ministry, Student Affairs, Student Government Association, and Ms. Meredith Elizalde, the advisor to the Muslim Student Association.
According to Imana News, the media outlet of the Islamic Medical Association of North America, the purpose of Islamic Awareness Week, or IAW, is to “raise awareness about Islam and provide a platform for members of the Muslim community to share their experiences and perspectives.”
Betancourt received support from all groups and the planning for IAW commenced.
While dates, times, and locations are still to be determined, Betancourt is planning to organize IAW from April 15-19.
Betancourt has various ideas to localize IAW, which is celebrated globally.
Due to past experiences with IAW at other universities, Betancourt is hopeful in creating new traditions at Neumann, stating, “for close to thirty years, I have worked closely with Muslim Student Associations in other universities in organizing IAW.”
To kick off the week of events, Betancourt is planning to host an Iftar dinner on April 4th with a guest speaker in attendance to discuss Islamic culture. Iftar dinners are the main meal of fasting days, which occur during Ramadan.
In addition, ideas of creating an information pop up table, henna, Arabic calligraphy, a ‘Women in Islam’ panel, a ‘Black Student in Islam’ panel, and Ramadan care package for students are in circulation.
Details for each event will be announced closer to the date.
Betancourt emphasized his desire for students to celebrate intersectionality, allowing for students to embrace the factors that contribute to their identity. His view supports Neumann’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a standard that the university strives to achieve, with various administration and student leaders implementing different events that reflect DEI.
“It is important for the Neumann University Community to have the opportunity to celebrate, value, and understand religious diversity on our campus and beyond” Betancourt commented.
Janiece Davis, SGA President at Neumann, revealed that students have shown concern for Islamic representation on campus in prior years; however, not many events on campus are held to show representation for Islamic students.
She explained how there were various small events for Muslim students; however, many students have expressed their desire for more events celebrating Islamic culture.
Betancourt believes that embracing intersectionality and opening opportunities for students of different cultures allows for a community of students to feel engaged with their culture, as well as allow students to connect with others.
“[For non-Muslim students,] it offers a chance for them to broaden their perspectives and enhance their cultural awareness,” he says, “For our Muslim students, it serves as an opportunity to share and highlight their cultural and religious practices, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation within the Neumann community.”