Friday, September 21, 2001

Indiana students form group to fight discrimination
Sept. 14

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (U-WIRE) — A student group is forming on the Indiana University campus so Muslim women, especially those wearing the hijab — a scarf-like head covering — do not bear the brunt of any hostility in the wake of Tuesday’s terrorist attacks.

“These women need and deserve the support of concerned students across campus in order to assure they can go about their days safely,” wrote group organizer Kathryn Bryan, a student, in an e-mail sent to various individuals and academic departments.

In the days following Tuesday’s attacks, some international students, Muslims and students who appear to be from another country have been the target of aggression.
Nurakmal Yunos, a Muslim student, reported being attacked after she greeted a friend in Arabic. Other students report having racial slurs yelled at them or being pushed.

The International Center, in addition to other campus groups had warned students against going out Tuesday night.

Harassment will not be tolerated at IU, said Bloomington Chancellor Sharon Brehm. She joined the racial incidents team in endorsing seven principles and actions that range from reporting intimidating behavior, being aware of rumors and reaching out in support of victims.

“Each person on this campus is an individual, who is entitled to be safe and secure, and must be treated with respect and dignity,” she said.

Abeer Tawbawi, a senior, is one of many Muslim women on campus who is worried for herself and community. She said she can feel the resentment on campus and believes she is being watched more than ever.

“The acts that were done don’t represent our culture or religion in any way,” she said. “We all condemn violence.”