While Donald Trump has stirred up hot debates surrounding erroneous allegations towards Muslims over the past few months, what was initially ludicrous has now slowly transformed from a bizarre delusion into a topic that infiltrates real conversations. Some institutions have decided to announce public statements declaring where they stand on the issue. Being a college student with little idea of what the future holds, seeing our nation polarized on absurd affairs has me reeling back into my safe bubble of affirmative action and ramen.
But my bubble has burst.
It is no secret that the Kaler administration at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) has kept topics surrounding religion at arm's length. However, on December 17th, President Eric Kaler blasted an email to all students and faculty members with a subject line "Solidarity with Muslims in our community." (Read here.) As a fellow Gopher with friends and acquaintances of diverse religious backgrounds, I can't help but feel frustrated at this blatant hypocrisy. Is a single email all it takes to stand in solidarity?
The past year has been filled with media reports of attacks against Muslims. These acts of violence have permeated the minds of the entire student body, making us question the future implications of continuing higher education in a safe environment. Despite all this racial prejudice, Muslim student groups have remained strong and united. They have received an outpouring of love and support from their community, both student groups on campus and local religious establishments not affiliated with the University.
However, one important presence has been missing. President Kaler and his administration have remained silent - up until now. When he urges us to "continue to work to achieve a truly inclusive community," does he mean starting now?
It should be highlighted that the Kaler administration is a rather active one, proudly supporting the Greek community despite the amount of national backlash certain fraternities and sororities have received. Kaler himself has even appeared at many Intra-Fraternal Council events. This is not to say that the terrors of Islamophobia are comparable to the privileges of being a part of a fraternity or sorority; rather, the amount of support given to the Greek community can be harbored as "safe" and perceived as part of an "inclusive campus climate" instead of the alternative of standing with our Muslim friends in a time of despair.
The sudden interest to express solidarity with Muslims is a surprising one, considering Kaler has never once shown interest in supporting any religious group on campus. His administration has never backed any campus events celebrating religious diversity, all held collectively by about a dozen religious student groups on campus and organized by the MultiFaith Student Council. In fact, when it came to funding student groups for the 2015-2016 school year, religiously affiliated student groups received fifteen percent higher budget cuts compared to non-religiously affiliated student groups. When students confronted the Student Services committee responsible for the distribution of funds, the disproportionate dissemination of funds was attributed to a "coincidence" and not partiality.
Now that Kaler has opened his mouth to speak in favor of actively supporting our Muslim friends, he must remain accountable. He must not fall back on the authority of his position to expect accountability from others; it is time he engages our community to "take care of yourselves and others." As we transition out of the holidays and into a fresh semester, I hope Kaler can live up to his words and foster a truly inclusive community - one where all religious identities are embraced.
So many leaders have sanctioned progress for progress' sake. But at a time like now, when our nation is hurdling towards "the American Schism," accountability is more important than ever. We must be honest with ourselves in our integrity and mindful of our actions. We can no longer rely on lip service to produce results - we must clearly define our agendas and follow through.
Your move, Kaler.