“I don’t share this often, but I struggled after my election as Student Body President when some national media outlets wrote some hurtful things about my religious identity. The headline ‘Catholic University Elects First Muslim Student Body President’ seemed neutral at first, until I read some of the articles and their hundreds of hurtful comments attacking my Muslim identity. I didn’t expect to face that kind of response over a student government election. I didn’t understand the controversy over an aspect of my identity that would have no impact on my ability to serve in the role I was elected to. Georgetown’s Jesuit identity played a huge role in my choosing to attend–I felt as though a University that prioritized interfaith dialogue and support on campus was one where I would find acceptance as a Muslim. The articles came as a shock. However, I received a lot of support from friends, University administrators and alumni. President DeGioia and Father O’Brien had reached out and showed nothing but love and support. In their outreach, they reinforced that I belong at Georgetown. That incident reminded me of how grateful I am to be at a school like Georgetown, where values come first. We have people who truly care at the top and operate within a context of values that teach us to love and accept one another. I recognize that isn’t the case everywhere, and feel blessed to be a Hoya.”
