On Wednesday, November 19th, the Department of Philosophy and Religion will present the panel discussion, “Islam and the Media Debate on the Sources of Violence and Terrorism.”  

On a recent episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, Maher and guest Sam Harris described Islam as a major source of violence, terrorism, abuses of women’s rights and other undemocratic practices.   Actor Ben Affleck, a guest on the same show, called this charge “gross and racist.”  The faculty panel will review a selection of media clips on this issue, offer their perspectives and discuss the issue with the audience.  Faculty panelists include Dr. Stuart Charmé, Professor of Religion; Dr. Rafey Habib, Professor of English; Dr. Mahdi Ibn-Ziyad, Lecturer of Religion; and Dr. Nicole Karapanagiotis, Assistant Professor of Religion.

The event will take place in Room 121 of Armitage Hall, at 12:30 p.m.  Pizza will be served.