February 2, 2012

To whom it may concern,

We the undersigned, as graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Saskatchewan, with support from local muslim organizations and concerned muslims in the community,  bring to your attention our collective petition to maintain the current Islamic Studies professorship position at the Department of Religion & Culture in the College of Arts & Science.

In a post 9/11 world, we believe it is imperative that the University of Saskatchewan and the Department of Religion & Culture have a resident expert scholar on Islam in order to create and ensure space for open dialogue and informed discourse. Whether it is through the dispelling of stereotypes, raising awareness on campus or assisting interdisciplinary academic research, we strongly believe that students and professors in all departments and colleges will benefit from a resident expert on Islam. Furthermore, as a University that prides itself on the internationalization of its campus (with a growing number of Muslim students), an Islamic Studies position will go a long way in facilitating a community of pluralism and understanding. 

Hence, we urge the University and the Department of Religion & Culture to maintain a permanent Islamic Studies position, as it will not only raise the profile of the University but will foster an academic environment that is open, accepting, all-encompassing and innovative.