Abdullah Antelpi’s recent appointment as the University’s first Muslim chaplain stands as a phenomenal example of the way that student efforts can influence administrative decisions.
The position is the result of a year long effort by the Muslim Students’ Association to increase the number of resources available to students on campus who practice Islam. Antelphi’s recent arrival follows the establishment of Turath, a program house created for students who identify as Arab or Middle Eastern, as well as for Muslim students. Buses have also been arranged to bring students to local mosques on weekends.
At a time when hate crimes against and misperceptions about Muslims abound, the existence of a Muslim chaplain on campus is a key step towards dispelling myths about the religion. Though in the past students could take classes about the religion of Islam, the presence of a chaplain provides for a type of dialogue that before may not have had an outlet. Not only do Muslim students now have in forum to discuss their beliefs and meets with other students who share their religious traditions, non-Muslim students can ask questions and receive answers outside of an academic context from someone who understands and believes in Islamic ideology. Antelpi expressed the desire to meet the needs of all students on campus.
Furthermore, the input of other chaplains, particularly Catholic chaplain Father Louis Manzo, generates a religiously tolerant environment and sets a precedent that will allow for future dialogue. With the violence in the Middle East reaching previously unforeseen extremes, this dialogue is indispensable. Recent plans to broach current events in a calm, neutral setting are the first steps towards finding a resolution. Moreover, Antelpi, with the support of the other chaplains has made a commitment towards trying to increase the communication between different religions on campus and to heighten interfaith dialogue.
Antelpi’s insights, unique experiences and wisdom will add a welcome new tone to the chorus of campus voices.
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