To the editor:

It is disappointing and unfortunate that people seek to divide our society and our college campuses on racial, religious and ethnic grounds. Instead of protecting the American value of pluralism, these people promote racism, misconceptions and intolerance.

As students and future leaders of society, it is important for us to continue asking questions in an attempt to increase our knowledge and understanding of each other.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “No culture can survive if it attempts to be exclusive.”
We must be wise in selecting our sources of information and wary of people claiming expertise or authority in a subject. It is our prerogative as students to come to our own unbiased conclusions.

With growing animosity in our world today, it is our duty as a society and particularly as a University, to combat ignorance and defend peaceful coexistence through respectful dialogue and open exchange of ideas.

In this spirit of cooperation and learning, the Emory Muslim Students Association is launching a “Peace, Not Prejudice” campaign to be held the week of Oct. 28. The campaign aims to further campus dialogue and educate our community about the teachings of Islam. We hope this campaign will raise awareness and foster respect and tolerance for diversity, building bridges and enriching relationships on our campus.

Sarah Zaim, Class of 2008, President, Muslim Students Association.