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While reporting on the election, some people treated her differently. Khalid recounted an interaction while accompanying a canvassing group in Ohio. While she was recording an interview with a young woman, the woman’s mother could be heard saying, “There’s a Muslim on my property, get her off.”
Khalid advocated speaking with Muslims and understanding their experiences. Khalid hopes that by acknowledging other people’s humanity, Americans may overcome the religious divides in this country. "By exposing yourself to different types of people and different types of ideas, at the very minimum you’ll understand a little bit more."
“When it comes to Muslim identity, I think it is really helpful is for folks to realize that there is a lot of diversity within the Islamic faith itself,” Khalid said. “You may know more Muslims than you think. You know, there are Muslims who are basketball players, there are Muslims who are actors. I think sometimes it’s just a little convenient to pretend that those Muslims aren’t there."
"If we can all recognize that Muslims have been a part of our country already, it would be a little bit less scary for folks who see this as an imminent threat taking over the country," said Khalid. "A lot of people say they don't know a Muslim. But I would venture to say that many of you might have passed Muslims and you don't know because we don't all dress the same way."
With nationally known speakers, the National Agenda program encourages students, staff, faculty, and community members to join the conversation. CPC Associate Director Dr. Lindsay Hoffman moderates the series. National Agenda is made possible by generous support from the University of Delaware's Office of the Provost. To view previous National Agenda presentations, please visit the University of Delaware National Agenda YouTube Channel.