Stetson University faculty panel to discuss 'Islamophobia' as part of 9/11 anniversary

DELAND -- To coincide with 9/11 commemorations nationwide, nine Stetson University faculty members will explore the issue of Islamophobia during a panel discussion from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, Stetson spokeswoman Cindi Brownfield said.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Stetson Room of the Carlton Union Building, 131 E. Minnesota Ave., DeLand.

"We will address the alarming levels of Islamophobia sweeping the country these days, including anti-mosque crusades not only in New York but all around the country, Quran-burning campaigns and increasing hate speech and hate crimes against Muslims and those who look like Muslims," said Dr. Jamil Khader, associate professor of English at Stetson.

The panel of faculty experts from various academic disciplines will explore the historical, religious, psychological, cultural, philosophical, media and political contexts of the trend toward prejudice against Islam and Muslims in American society.

In addition to Khader, Stetson faculty participants will include Dr. Kimberly Flint Hamilton, sociology/anthropology; Dr. Shawnrece Miller, English; Dr. Emily Mieras, American studies; Dr. Susan Peppers-Bates, philosophy; Dr. Phillip Lucas, religious studies; Dr. Eric Kurlander, history; Dr. Brigid Noonan, counselor education; and Dr. Leena Taneja, religious studies.