On Nov. 8, Donald J. Trump was elected the 45th President of the United States. The election results however, have left different communities across the country, including the LGBTQ+ community, Muslim Americans and undocumented immigrants, concerned and even fearful. These feelings are reflected in some student organizations around Queens College. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo sent a letter to students across the state following the election. “After the harsh and ugly rhetoric of the campaign, many of you are concerned about what might happen next. Let me be clear: This is the State of New York, not a state of fear. We will not tolerate hate or racism. We have been…
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MSA chapter at QC helps during Charity Week
The Muslim Student Association’s chapter at Queens College raised the most money for Charity Week, which provides funds for people in need. Charity Week is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that functions under Islamic Relief and unites young people to raise money. In late October, more than 20 volunteers organized events like a tennis tournament and a competition with the FIFA video game series. Khalida Jalili, organizer with MSA, learned about Charity Week from Dr. Muhammad Wajid Akhter. “I was inspired that university students in various parts of the world were enthusiastically and diligently cooperating together in raising money for their little siblings around the world,” Jalili said. Since Charity Week began in 2000,…
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The impact of surveillance on Muslims at Queens College
The college campus is an environment where students, the vast majority of whom are young, are allowed to express themselves and develop their minds. Queens College is a prime example as the diversity among students strengthens such expression. However, a report authored and researched by Diala Shamas and Nermeen Arastu shows the extent of surveillance the New York Police Department has upon the Muslim population not only in New York City, but in the CUNY system as well. The report, “Mapping Muslims: NYPD Spying and Its Impact on American Muslims,” details how post-Sept. 11, the NYPD has closely observed Muslims in their daily activities for fear of “terrorism.” The means…
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Climate of fear still exists as new report details extent of NYPD surveillance program
Two years ago, The Associated Press released numerous stories of the New York Police Department’s surveillance of Muslims and controversy erupted as to whether the NYPD could be trusted as a result of this evidence made public. A report by a coalition of civil liberty groups has detailed the impact of the surveillance program by the NYPD on Muslims not only after the 2011 AP reports, but after Sept. 11 as well. The report, “Mapping Muslims: NYPD Spying and its Impact on American Muslims,” was released in February and examines how the NYPD sent informants to mosques, organized groups and even the CUNY schools, to spy on Muslims. The report…
