Critical Religious Pluralism: Confronting Hate, Building Belonging

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:07:58 -0400

Overall Series Description

This fall's culture conversations is a three-part series that explores how a values-driven approach can deepen understanding and support for religious diversity. The series will address antisemitism, Islamophobia, and biases related to non-western religious and spiritual traditions, which can encompass a wide range of global traditions present at UMBC, including those common in South Asia such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Together, we will explore the intersections of faith and culture, building the skills to create communities where all beliefs are respected and valued.

A mix of in-person and virtual sessions will be provided this semester.

RSVP here: https://umbc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_09DlqMyjcC3YlBI

Session Descriptions

Critical Religious Pluralism (series keynote): Join Dr. Jenny Small in a dialogue about critical religious pluralism, which challenges surface-level notions of tolerance and instead calls for a deeper engagement with the systemic inequities embedded in religious life on college campuses. Event details: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events

Responding to Antisemitism with Courage and Care (brown bag): Join Dr. Jenny Small for a brown-bag conversation on how college campuses can respond to antisemitism with empathy, action, and institutional integrity, creating environments where Jewish community members feel supported and empowered. Event details: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events

Confronting Bias, Building Belonging Across Eastern Religions and Faith Traditions (brown bag): Join Dr. Simran Kaur-Colbert for a brown-bag discussion where campus community members explore how to dismantle misconceptions about Dharmic religious traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, and cultivate a sense of belonging through cultural understanding and interfaith engagement. Event details: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events

Fostering Safety and Inclusion for Muslim and Arab Communities (brown bag): Join Dr. Joshua Salaam for a brown-bag discussion, inviting college community members to reflect on how we can foster inclusivity and empathy by understanding the experiences of Muslim and Arab college students, while taking action toward safety and belonging on campus. Event details: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/doie/events

Collaborative partners: Religious Studies and the Center for Religion, Spirituality & Pluralism

To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please get in touch with each program office directly. All sessions are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.