Sunday, November 26, 2006

Hate Speech Forum

UPDATE: The event was held and drew out nearly 100 students, who all voiced their concerns and opinions. The discussion was moderated by Yale University Chaplain Reverend Jerry Streets and was hopefully a step in the right direction towards increased dialogue between groups and about race/ethnic/religious issues, free speech, and university (in)action.


On Nov. 15, postering of an anti-Muslim cartoon -- depicting the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) with a sword in one hand and a decapitated head in the other, underneath a speech bubble which included the phrase: "Don't mess with Ahmadinejad's nukes" -- exposed the need for dialogue on campus. For your reference, you can read the News story and our responses here and here, published in the Yale Daily News.

In response to the anonymous postering, and to promote healing and learning, the MSA leadership has met with members of the administration to discuss concerns. As well, the MSA has garnered support from campus organizations and is planning to hold an "Open Forum on Hate Speech" on Tuesday, December 5th, from 7-8p. Please click on the image for details.

Witness in Palestine

Co-sponsoring with the Council on Middle East Studies, and the Arab Students' Association at Yale, the MSA presents: "A Witness in Palestine." Click on the image below for details.

Monday, November 13, 2006

My Name is Rachel Corrie

On Saturday, November 11, a group of MSA Yalies went up to NYC to see the award-winning play "My Name is Rachel Corrie."

"Compiled from writings left behind in the diaries, letters and e-mails of American activist Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old protester who was killed by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza, MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE chronicles the human, social and political evolution in the life and controversial death of a young woman. The play traces the life of Rachel from her early days in Washington State through her experiences as an activist seeking to learn more about the community within Gaza."

The play was very powerful and moving, and, alhamdullilah, this was a great trip. Thanks to Dean Saveena Dhall and the Asian American Cultural Center for subsidizing the costs.