4/10/02

David Granger, 3334/844-9999

AU MUSLIM STUDENTS HOST MEETING TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING

AUBURN -- A discussion on the promotion of diversity on the Auburn University campus will highlight the AU Muslim Students Association's miniconference on American Muslims on Thursday.

The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m., in Broun Hall, Room 239. The miniconference, sponsored by the AU Department of Anthropology and the AU Office of Outreach, will also include two Muslim speakers.

"The purpose of the conference is to forge a better understanding between the Auburn community and fellow Muslims," said Mariyam Jamila, president of the AU Muslim Students' Association.

Abdur Rahmim Sabree, who was Imam of the Montgomery Mosque, will speak and lead the discussion of programs Auburn can pursue to engage diversity on the campus.

Canadian architect, poet and American studies scholar Masud Taj will speak on "The Abrahamic Confluence: American Muslims and Project America," exploring the similarities between the American pilgrims, who came to this country to escape religious persecution, and followers of Islam, who left their home in Mecca to escape similar persecution and settled in Medina.

After a break for refreshments -- finger foods from predominantly Muslim parts of the world -- the miniconference will reconvene for a panel discussion, featuring both speakers and Richard Penaskovic, an AU professor of philosophy.

apr02:AU-muslims

CONTACT: Jamila.