By Ashley Brickner, News Editor
In recent weeks, the Susquehanna community welcomed the Muslim Student Association (MSA), our newest diversity organization. Dedicated to cultivating a space for students to practice the Muslim faith, MSA is actively dismantling stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam and the Muslim community.
While Susquehanna offers many diversity and special interest clubs across campus to best accommodate the interests and identities of all students, the MSA executive board felt campus lacked such a community for Muslim students. Seeking to redress this issue, the student-run organization strives to close the representational gap by offering students a space to celebrate their identities and culture.
The MSA’s executive board states, “Some of us, especially first-years, experienced many moments of breaking our fasts alone, and others coming into SU wanted to help establish a community to feel a sense of belonging.”
The association also felt that a Muslim organization on campus would help address and resolve many of the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding the faith.
The MSA says, “Without a Muslim presence on campus, misunderstandings and misrepresentations of our faith can easily persist. By establishing the MSA, we aim to foster a more accurate understanding of Islam and promote interfaith dialogue, helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment for everyone. It is crucial that our peers see us not just as students, but as a vital part of the campus community, contributing to its diversity and richness.”
The association vehemently stresses the importance of community and inclusivity. During our interview, the association expressed an interest in collaborating with other diversity organizations and chapters at neighboring universities. Even though the association is well within its infancy, they anticipate collaborations in the future to stimulate more unity across the student body.
The organization stated, “By working together, we will foster an even stronger sense of unity among minority groups, promote intersectionality, and build an inclusive community that values and celebrates all forms of diversity. Collaborative events like panel discussions, cultural celebrations (Sneak Peak: Ramadan Iftar dinners…), and joint social activities will help create a more cohesive and supportive environment for all students.”
With the association’s first meeting approaching soon, the executive board detailed its plans moving forward. The first few meetings will focus on better establishing and executing the organization’s mission, while also considering the types of initiatives new members hope to see.
From there, the executive board enumerated multiple events: “In the future, we hope to hold cultural events (such as Ramadan gatherings, or even a Muslim Women empowerment panel), interfaith dialogues, community service initiatives (soup-kitchen volunteering, care-packages…), and social gatherings to strengthen the bond among our members and raise awareness of Muslim traditions on campus.”
Overall, the Susquehanna community benefits from the creation of the Muslim Student Association and its mission to foster additional cultural richness and awareness across campus. Students eagerly anticipate the impact the association will have in the coming months.
The Muslim Student Association’s first meeting takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 7-8 p.m. in the DEN. Any students with any further questions regarding the club’s mission or meeting information can contact the MSA Vice President Sakina Balavenkatesan (balavenkatesans@susqu.edu).
