The program was founded by Augsburg College alumna Jennifer Weber ’11, who recognized a need for such programs. “The kids here in the neighborhood need more quality programming,” she said. “The kids want it. They go to open gym all the time.”

Another need Weber recognized dealt with a lack of functional athletic attire that was culturally acceptable for the many Muslim girls in the program.

Luckily, design students from the University of Minnesota had already been working to solve that problem. Working with the players and other partners, the students designed uniforms with adjustable hijabs, knee-length skirts and breathable leggings. A grant from the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station provided funding to donate the completed uniforms to the program.

The article concludes with a statement from coach and co-founder Muna Mohamed ’16, an exercise science senior at Augsburg who grew up in the neighborhood.

“These girls are getting an opportunity to have culturally appropriate clothing, at the same time … [as] enjoying sports,” she said. “They don’t have to worry about fixing their scarves. They don’t have to worry about ‘How can I play basketball and also respect my culture?'”

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The article reports that since she accepted the position last summer, Hassan has organized weekly prayer meetings for Augsburg’s Muslim students, recruited the help of a therapist and imam to undercut the idea that seeking treatment for depression is un-Islamic, and has taken Religion 100 students to visit local mosques. “Islam has called me to serve my community,” Hassan said, and her work has not gone unnoticed.

When asked about Hassan, first-year student Mohamud Mohamed ’19 said that “Fardosa is our guide. She is our connection to the outside world.”

College pastor Sonja Hagander said that given the growing number of Muslim students, “it was really key to have a Muslim student adviser.”

The article notes that nationwide more than 50 colleges, including Ivy League schools such as Yale and Princeton, have hired advisers for their Muslim students.

Read on the Star Tribune site.

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The article featured photos of Augsburg College students who hosted the Hijab Fashion Show at Augsburg. Students at Normandale and Augsburg hosted events in support of Muslim students and were joined by non-Muslim students in a show of solidarity.

Photos of Augsburg College students featured in the paper included Aisha Barre, Anisa Ahmed, Nahili Abdulahi and Juweria Hassan, who participated in the fashion show. Similar events have been taking place across the country in reaction to divisive rhetoric and anti-Muslim sentiment, the article notes.

Read on the Star Tribune site.

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Others who added their support to the campaign include Gov. Mark Dayton, U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and the CEOs of prominent Minnesota businesses such as Best Buy, General Mills, and Cargill.

The ad was a joint effort between Democratic U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison and John Taft, CEO of RBC Wealth Management. It states that although Minnesotans, “may be a soft-spoken bunch, we know better than to be silent or still in the face of bigotry shown to Muslims. Our fellow Minnesotans.”

Several media outlets have reported on the ad, including:

• Bring Me the News,
• , and
• the , which also published an .

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Below two students share their thoughts on being Muslim at Augsburg.

Sana Tanveer Malik [pictured]

During the 14-hour-long flight that brought me from Dubai to New York for the first time three years ago, I questioned and regretted every decision I had made. It had been a bad decision to apply to study in the States. A worse decision to go and live there alone, without family or friends, on an American school campus, where drugs and rock ‘n’ roll would dominate and make my life completely miserable. The biggest reason for my doubts and regrets for coming to study at Augsburg was the fact that I am a Pakistani Muslim woman who proudly chooses to don the hijab (and look quite good in it, if I do say so myself!). Really proud, mind you. But upset, hesitant, nervous that my two most important identities would become the basis of discrimination and hate in America.

However, the first person I met at Augsburg made me hopeful. Jim Trelstad-Porter, the director of international student advising, was the first (and only) man who knew that he wasn’t to shake a Muslim girl’s hand if she doesn’t feel comfortable doing it. So he didn’t, and I liked him immensely that very instant.

Over the course of these three years, I have realized I could never have made a better decision in my life. True, Augsburg isn’t the gigantic university with huge tidy lawns and rolling hills that I used to imagine as an American school back home, but it is much more than that. Augsburg truly made me feel welcome. As a Muslim, as a Pakistani, as an international student, I have never felt people have been disrespectful, racist, discriminatory, or even amused at my expense. Everyone here makes an intentional effort to be inclusive and open-minded.

The best thing I love about Augsburg is that people are willing to ask questions. I always say that asking questions is the first step towards a healthy community where people are at harmony with the wealth of different religions, races, cultures, and people that exist within it. I would much rather have somebody come up to me and ask me why I am wearing a curtain wrapped around my head than give me weird looks or talk behind my back. People here are willing to learn. I have learned that I love to teach. My religion is the most important thing in my life and I am deeply hurt by all the misconceptions and stereotypes that exist in the world about it today. Islam is a religion of peace, beauty, humanity, and love. How can I be so sure? Next time when you see me running around campus, stop me and ask me why. I love answering questions. More importantly, come find me at one (and all) the events that the Muslim Students Association is hosting starting Monday as part of the Islam Awareness Week.

Zeinab Ahmed Hassan

I was a bit pessimistic when I decided on choosing Augsburg College. It seemed as though I wouldn’t be accepted as a Muslim there, and that I would have to defend my faith in every single class and discussion that I went into. I felt as though I made a mistake, that I couldn’t take back. Coming straight out of high school and messing up on one of the biggest decisions of life made me feel like a complete idiot. What was I getting myself into?

Little did I know that I didn’t have to put on my battle gear outfit; not only was I accepted with welcoming arms, but the opinions that I put into the discussions about religion was greatly useful to some. I always used the motto “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but I actually didn’t follow upon it till I entered the halls of Augsburg. Augsburg gave me the tools to be myself, to readily participate in whatever I felt like. It has given me the lending hand in which I can accept and be accepted as a whole. As a Muslim American student I’m glad to say that I go to Augsburg College.

ISLAM AWARENESS WEEK

Monday, March 21

Fast for a day the Muslim Way

Banquet: Break your fast with usand share fasting experiences.

Our Lives in Islam Panel discussion

Sharing of Muslim faith stories

7-8:30 p.m.

East Commons, Christensen Center

Tuesday, March 22

Ask A Muslim

Ask your Muslim friends a respectful question about their faith experience

Noon to 2 p.m.

Concept of God in Islam, guest speaker

7-8:30 p.m.

Coffee Shop, Christensen

Wednesday, March 23

Wear Hijab for a Day

Get a free headscarf and wear it for a day. Feel what it’s like to be a Muslim woman. There also will be free henna.

10 a.m. to noon

Christensen Center

Women in Islam, guest speaker

6-8 p.m.

Sateren Auditorium

Thursday, March 24

Vocation in Islam

We know the V-word is special to you as an Auggie! Come learn about what vocation means in Islam.

3-4:30 p.m.

Marshall Room, Christensen

Visit a Mosque

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Visit a local mosque to observe evening prayer, tour the building, and talk to the imam (religious leader). Transportation and food provided.

Friday, March 25

Day of Solidarity with the Arab World

Wear green or white to show your support to the struggle for democracy and people’s power.

Jummah prayer

Watch Muslims pray their Friday prayer.

Free pizza

1-2 p.m.

Century Room, Christensen

Who is Muhammad?

Guest Speaker Yusha Evans

5-8 p.m.

Sateren Auditorium

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