We’re happy to announce the launch of a new oral history initiative– Muslim Voices in Texas-- a partnership with the University of Texas at Austin Department of Religious Studies. Texas is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country, along with many national and global centers of contemporary Muslim thought. Muslim communities … Continue reading Muslim Voices in Texas
Next week marks the 16th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. In 2013, the Texas House of Representatives passed HB 1501, which requires Texas public schools to commemorate September 11 with a moment of silence and statement to remember and reflect upon the lives lost. For adults, September 11 is a date … Continue reading Remembering Sept 11: A Curriculum Guide for Texas Public School Teachers
By Zoya Zia On a cool Wednesday evening in April, a diverse group of Texans gathered in the Asian Culture Room at the University of Texas at Austin to discuss what being a Texan means to them. One after another, they rose to the occasion and let a mic serve as a medium to share … Continue reading An Open Space: #ThisTexan Mic Night
By Josephine Van Houten Since the 1780’s, America’s leaders have referred to the country as a ‘melting pot’ of different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. In a country as large as the United States, a shared identity is essential for a sense of unity, however, we should not ignore the religious and ethnic differences that … Continue reading Why We Shouldn’t Feed the Melting Pot
With the end of Ramadan coming up, it is important to create an inclusive space for our Muslim co-workers and/or employees to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and observe the remaining days of the holy month with ease.
by Miguel Robles In recent years, immigration has been in the foreground of much debate in Texas, especially regarding the inclusion of undocumented immigrants in our society. Much of the political rhetoric about this population is driven by misunderstanding of who they are and how they participate in our society. Who Are Undocumented Immigrants? When thinking … Continue reading Debunking Misconceptions about Undocumented Immigrants
By Miguel Robles Growing up in the Texas public school system, students are taught what has become the “standard” history of the state. When asked to think of “Texas history,” figures like Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston and events like the Battle of the Alamo are typically what come to mind. While these narratives … Continue reading Texas Students are Underrepresented
The Institute for Diversity & Civic Life is excited to announce an initiative to share the diverse stories of Texans. Through the #ThisTexan Essay Contest, IDCL aims to provide an opportunity for community members to write about their experiences and thoughts on Texan identity. This contest falls under the wider #ThisTexan campaign for reframing the way … Continue reading Calling Texan Writers: #ThisTexan Essay Contest
By Zoya Zia On Wednesday, April 26, the Institute for Diversity and Civic Life will host an Open Mic Night at the University of Texas at Austin. The event aims to pass the mic to different voices and serve as a platform for students to discuss what it means to be a "Texan." Those who may … Continue reading Event Preview: #ThisTexan Open Mic Night
By Zoya Zia On March 5, individuals have the opportunity to attend a free workshop focused on "How to Be an Ally." For more information, view the Facebook event here and register on Eventbrite here. Learning about allyship is important now more than ever. The divisive rhetoric used by the ongoing administration has already led to alienation … Continue reading Event Preview: “How to be an Ally”
