February 26, 2016 

Nick was pleased to participate in Teach-In: Consequences of Xenophobia at Portland State University last night.

Nick joined a panel of community and student leaders to discuss to the repercussions of xenophobia and Islamophobia, and how our community can unite to combat it.

The dialogue was respectful and constructive.

Nick noted in passing that thanks to some of the most extreme rhetoric at the national level, people are organizing around the values of tolerance, hope, and love.

Recent events and actions include: the Muslim Educational Trust’s grand opening in December, the City of Portland’s Resolution opposing hate speech and supporting Muslim-Americans, passed in December, and a panel discussion about Islamophobia on KGW’s Straight Talk. 

Special thanks to Dr. Birol Yesilada, PSU student leaders and PSU administrators for organizing the event, and to Kayse Jama, the Center for Intercultural Organizing’s Executive Director, for moderating.