BREAKING: A diverse group of 150 American and Canadian organizations write to universities expressing concerns regarding @dghconference, urging them to disavow such a Hinduphobic conference. 1/n cohna.org/org-letter-dgh…
The signatories stated: "we cannot help but feel intensely hurt when universities officially endorse those who have a history of bigotry against the same texts and religious traditions." 2/n
Letter’s signatories include a mix of orgs - from some of the largest Hindu temples & national associations, to interfaith allies, local cultural groups - and represent hundreds of thousands of mainstream Hindus, who live, study & work in communities across the two countries. 3/n
The letter comes in addition to the thousands of individuals – including students, parents and alumni – who sent over one million emails to the universities that are supporting this #Hinduphobic event on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. 4/n
Letter asks the universities to consider WHY @dghconference is being hosted on 20th Anniv of the worst terrorist attack on American soil. By choosing 9/11, conference organizers attempt a false & dangerous conflation of the Al Qaeda, Taliban, & global terrorism with Hindus. 5/n
Letter also points out that this is not an academic conference, but one whose speakers have glorified groups designated as terrorists by the US State Dept. and those who have disparaged Hinduism. 6/n
The scale, volume and diversity of the letter’s signatories shows that, while the privileged organizers and supporters of the #Hinduphobic conference have the megaphones on both academic and media platforms, they DO NOT reflect the broader and mainstream Hindu community. 7/n
Signatories also expressed concerns that the perpetuation of bigoted language by @dghconference and resources which vehemently deny the existence of #Hinduphobia, will intimidate and imperil minority Hindu students and faculty members on campuses. 7/n
The letter also points out instances where Hindu groups & students raising concerns are being singled out, gaslighted & labeled as extremists. 8/n
It observes: "Universities are supposed to be a melting pot for competing ideas and diverse identities. Yet, there is an obvious and growing attempt to silence the voices of practicing Hindus at various universities." 9/n
At a time when privileged academics with tenure are hounding young vulnerable students for something as simple as displaying images of deities in their home offices, it is imperative for univs to ensure their safety & to foster diversity, equity & inclusion for all. Yet, 10/n
...institutional support for bigotry in the name of “academic freedom” achieves the exact opposite effects and legitimizes #Hinduphobia and hatred against Hindus. 11/n
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
