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Table of Contents:
Excellent News: U.S. Dept. of Education Responds
Educator Webinar: Wednesday, January 27
Parent Webinar: Saturday, January 9
Schedule A Presentation About American Muslims
Schedule An Interfaith Panel
Excellent News! U.S. Department of
Education Responds to ING’s Request
We are very pleased to report that in response to our urging, the Department of Education this week notified us that this “Dear Colleagues” letter will be sent to school districts, colleges, and universities nationwide. The letter has been widely publicized: see for example a piece in the Washington Post and coverage by Education Week, the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and the Voice of America.
A similar push from ING in 2010 led to a series of moves by the U.S. Department of Education and the White House, and we are delighted by their continued attention to this very important matter.
The newest “Dear Colleagues” letter reminds schools of their obligations under federal civil rights laws to prohibit discrimination based on actual or perceived race, religion, or national origin, and includes suggestions and resources to help schools uphold and maintain safe learning communities. It also encourages schools to take proactive steps to foster welcoming and inclusive environments for students of different backgrounds and beliefs.
Please forward this important and powerful note to your school administration and others in your educator community. Encourage them to sign up for our email newsletter list to receive future updates like these.
Educator Webinar: Supporting Your Diverse Classroom & Resources for Teaching About Islam – Wednesday January 27th, 3:30-4:30pm PST
ING is excited to convene an upcoming Educator Webinar: Supporting Your Diverse Classroom and Resources for Teaching About Islam, co-sponsored by the Religious Freedom Center at the Newseum Institute, The Sikh Coalition, Thirteen WNET New York, Unity Productions Foundation, the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, Teaching Tolerance, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Tailored for teachers and others involved in education, expert guests will explore what the First Amendment says around teaching about religion in public schools, reputable resources for teachers and educators to use in educating about Islam and World Religions, and best practices for upholding a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
ING Deputy Director-Programs Sean Rose, Content Director Ameena Jandali, and Affiliate Director Marcia Beauchamp will present. The webinar runs from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM Pacific time. Special guests include:
- Dr. Charles Haynes, Vice President of the Newseum Institute and Executive Director of the Religious Freedom Center
- Daniel Tutt, Director of Programs, Unity Productions Foundation
- Sara Wicht, Senior Manager of Teaching and Learning, Teaching Tolerance
- Sandy Goldberg, Education Director, WNET [PBS Affiliate]
- Kim Keiserman, Education Program Associate, Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding
- Roula Allouch, National Board Chair, Council on American-Islamic Relations
- Arjun Singh, Director of Law and Policy, Sikh Coalition
Register for the January 27th webinar here.
Parent Webinar: Supporting Your Muslim Student
Saturday, January 9th, 8:00 AM-9:45 AM PST
In addition to the Educator Webinar on January 27th, ING is convening a Parent Webinar this Saturday, January 9th, 8:00 AM-9:45 AM PST.
Parent Webinar: Supporting Your Muslim Student is free and open to parents and others working towards the full participation and safety of young people of all faiths and cultures, and will address some of the pressing issues facing American Muslim students in the wake of the San Bernardino and Paris attacks, and rising anti-Muslim sentiment.
We will explore what parents can do if their child is being bullied or harassed in school, what they can offer their children’s teachers in teaching about Islam and Muslims, and how they can help their children respond to questions about Islam.
ING Content Director Ameena Jandali and Affiliate Director Marcia Beauchamp will present. We are thrilled to announce that guest speakers include:
- Dr. Ken Bedell, Senior Advisor, Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnership Center at the United States Department of Education
- Daniel Tutt, Director of Programs, Unity Productions Foundation
- Maureen Costello, Director, Teaching Tolerance
- Roula Allouch, National Board Chair, Council on American-Islamic Relations
- Mark Fowler, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding
- Sandy Goldberg, Education Director, WNET [PBS Affiliate]
Register for the January 9th webinar here.
Meeting Muslim Americans in the Classroom: A Key to Ending Stereotypes
Through our Islamic Speakers Bureau, your school can host a FREE presentation about Islam and American Muslims, to supplement existing social studies or world history curriculum. The most requested presentation for our trained and certified speakers to deliver is Getting to Know American Muslims And Their Faith, an engaging, informative, and highly interactive presentation. Other topics are also available.
Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews & Buddhists: Bring them Together in Your Classroom
Our Interfaith Speakers Bureau offers FREE interfaith panels and presentations for your school. Our speakers are trained in First Amendment principles around presenting religion appropriately in public schools. Our lively and engaging facilitated panels cover topics such as Shared Values Among Faiths and Religion and Extremism.