As Columbia students and veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we the undersigned are deeply troubled by the sense of alienation expressed by some students of the Islamic faith.  This letter is written in the spirit of community as members of Columbia's student body.

We believe that the free expression of religious identity is a national strength embodied by American values and we welcome members of all religions into the diverse and open academic community in which we wish to be immersed.  As veterans, many with multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, we embrace our special responsibility to make clear that we welcome Muslim students of all nationalities on Columbia's campus.

We humbly encourage the establishment of forums in which students from the veteran and Muslim communities can begin a dialogue.  The process of building bonds can sometimes be slow and contentious, however it would be a missed opportunity if these groups avoided communicating and learning from each other.  It is our vision that a network between veteran and Muslim students would benefit the university community.

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