As the two-year anniversary of the October 7th attack by Hamas-led militants in southern Israel approaches, American higher education institutions are finding ways to address the rising tensions related to religious, national, and cultural identities on campus.
Many colleges and universities are actively responding to incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia, while also fostering an environment that encourages respect for religious pluralism and interfaith cooperation.
Interfaith America is providing grant funding to support these initiatives, which has given several institutions the opportunity to enhance their existing interfaith and cultural engagement programs.
One notable example is Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania, where campus ministries have been collaborating with local religious organizations to promote inclusion and understanding.
Hasna Bahar, the Campus Minister for Abrahamic Faith and Culture, emphasized that their interfaith programming is about allowing students from minority religions not just to feel acknowledged, but also to take on leadership roles.
In total, 31 events received grant support, drawing participation from over 500 students, many of whom took charge in organizing them.
The activities ranged from faith-based discussions to sharing cultural experiences, complete with food and music tailored to various traditions.
Sarah Alamodi, a senior nursing student at Alvernia, described the Iftar and Eid al-Fitr celebrations as poignant moments for sharing her heritage and fostering curiosity among peers.
These events encouraged a culture of inquiry and honesty.
According to Alamodi, interfaith cooperation goes beyond mere coexistence; it’s about genuinely learning from each other with openness.
Elijah Carr, a graduate student in psychology, reflected on how the events transformed his understanding of faith.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide a platform for deeper contemplation about life’s purpose through the programming created.
A diverse group of student interfaith leaders, representing Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and secular backgrounds, actively participated in organizing these events, which attracted students of both majority and minority faiths.
Bahar highlighted the Franciscan Catholic mission that Alvernia upholds, noting its significance in promoting diversity of thought, faith, and culture.
She remarked, “Alvernia’s Franciscan values of contemplation, humility, peacemaking, and collegiality come alive through our interfaith efforts.
This is not just DEI work — it is spiritual formation, community building, and a true expression of our Catholic mission.”
Furthermore, Alvernia University collaborated with local religious institutions such as the Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, the Jewish Federation of Reading, and the Islamic Center of Reading to enhance interfaith hospitality and understanding within their community.
Holy Family University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has also taken strides to promote interfaith dialogue on campus.
Their initiatives include a workshop on cultural humility that aims to foster respectful discussions among students and faculty.
Dr. Juliana Mosley-Williams, the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Salus University, was brought in as a keynote speaker for this event.
During a shared meal, participants engaged in conversations on the importance of cultural humility.
Troy Young, Director of Residence Life and JDEI Initiatives at Holy Family, acknowledged the challenges of facilitating such discussions, yet he noted the positive outcomes.
He stated, “A key outcome of this workshop has been a campus community that is leaning into difficult conversations to create a better and braver space for faculty, staff, and students.”
The aftermath of the workshop has seen increased attendance at events and celebrations organized by the Advisory Council on Community and Belonging, indicating a growing openness among community members.
Young added, “It has made more room for people to share thoughts, opinions, feelings, and lived experiences. Our campus community has grown mentally and spiritually due to the work enabled by the grant.”
In Albany, New York, Maria College has embraced a mission rooted in service, focusing on religious pluralism as a critical learning objective, particularly for students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Tara Flanagan, Chief Mission Officer and Assistant Professor, elaborated on their initiative, which involved community meals, discussions, and religious presentations covering Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
The events taught students about significant religious observances, such as Passover, Lent, Easter, Ramadan, and Eid al-Fitr, while employing poetry, music, food, and sacred texts to foster a spirit of collaborative learning.
Flanagan highlighted the college’s mission, stating, “Hospitality is a virtue by no means exclusive to one tradition.”
Dr. Lynn Ortale, the president of Maria College, took part in the ‘Moral Leadership and Diversity’ program offered by Interfaith America, aimed at college and university leaders to discuss religious pluralism and its implications.
She noted that this program profoundly enhanced her ability to build bridges within the community and facilitate interactive programs supported by Interfaith America grants.
These collaborative efforts across various colleges embody a commitment to nurturing interfaith understanding and respect within an increasingly diverse student body.
image source from：interfaithamerica
