Following the controversial travel ban put in place recently, Proctor allowed students returning to campus through airports to delay a day in order to avoid protests. The Middle East often carries negative connotations, but what is the perception of Muslims at Proctor?

Proctor Academy is a unique community. While it has no religious affiliation, classes like Comparative Religion and Middle East Studies help students learn about all different types of people. I had the chance to speak with Comparative Religion teacher Melanie Maness and about how members of the community react to Muslims. When asked how Proctor views Muslim, Melanie responded, “I’ve always been impressed by the curiosity and interest of my Comparative Religion students. I thought the Proctor community was welcoming and engaging with Robert Azzi, an Arab American Muslim photojournalist and columnist, who addressed us in the fall. I loved the conversations his talk stirred.” His words gave many people a new perspective and the curriculum at Proctor builds on understanding others.

Classes like Comparative Religion are important to keep the community open to all types of diversity. Maness provided some insight on her goals for her class. “With current events regularly highlighting Islam, global citizens must educate and engage. I implore students to look beyond the salacious headlines and do their own research.” This kind of challenge is what will hopefully broaden the global knowledge of students.

There is not a large population of Arab-American students here at Proctor, but those here feel welcome and loved. I spoke with Hazem Chehabi, a three year junior from Jordan. “I really don’t feel much discrimination. Any kind of profiling or stereotypes that I do notice pretty much come from my friends who are joking around.”

Eamonn Healey, four year senior and fellow Comparative Religion student has expanded his view of people who are of a different race or religion. “I have learned about so many different religions that now I find faith very cool and fascinating. I have also learned to be more respectful of the beliefs of people who are a part of different religions. It is a class that I think everyone should take.”

I am lucky to have a class that studies the world’s religions. If everyone had the opportunity to take a class or learn more about different cultures, it may help to stop discrimination against those who are different.