Religion

The tragic incident at Pulse nightclub in Orlando has intensified the fear of terror hitting close to home. This fear has been translated into xenophobic sentiments particularly targeting our Muslim community.

The Center for Global Islamic Studies and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service will host a panel discussion which brings together those of diverse backgrounds who have been touched by the tragic events in Orlando and who continue to experience discrimination based on faith, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and/or race. The program is free and open to the public and will be streamed live on the Bob Graham Center website at www.bobgrahamcenter.ufl.edu. This poignant panel discussion aims to tackle how we move forward in unity – taking the fear out of diversity and focusing on the many benefits of our globally diverse population.

Students, faculty, and members of the community are encouraged to raise questions, share comments and engage in the discussion about these pressing issues.

Opening Remarks:

University of Florida President Ken Fuchs

Panel:

Rasha Mubarak, Orlando Regional Coordinator – Council for American Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Terry Fleming, Pride Community Center of North Central Florida

Zoharah Simmons, UF Professor in Religion

Closing Remarks:

Paula Roetscher, Welcoming Gainesville