As a Master of Public Policy student at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, I’ve been particularly interested in how faith can be used as a tool for social change rather than division, and how that can translate into meaningful policy reform. With this in mind, I joined the Committee on Muslims in Public Policy (CMPP), a student-led group focused on fostering dialogue around policies impacting Muslim communities and encouraging greater participation in the policy space.
On 21 November 2017, I helped organise a lunch event that brought together over 40 graduate students from diverse faith, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The event featured a screening of “The Secret Life of Muslims,” a documentary series that highlights the diversity and lived experiences of Muslim Americans while challenging stereotypes through storytelling rooted in empathy and humour.
Following the screening, we hosted a Q&A session with Associate Producer and Harris alumna Salwa Shameem. The discussion explored how religious identity intersects with public discourse, particularly for marginalized communities, and how media can be used as a platform to educate, challenge misconceptions, and amplify underrepresented voices. The conversation naturally expanded into broader interfaith and intercultural dialogue among participants.
Overall, the event was very well received. Participants appreciated the opportunity to engage with real narratives and have an open, thoughtful discussion in a safe space. One key takeaway for me was the importance of allowing more time for dialogue, as many participants wanted to continue the conversation beyond the session.
Partners
Committee on Muslims in Public Policy (CMPP)