Race, Religion & U.S. Presidential Politics – April 14, 2016 Event

The 2016 US Presidential election cycle is shaping up to be one of the most divisive in recent history, fueled by alarmingly irresponsible rhetoric. Traditionally, discussion of race and religion in the context of US presidential politics revolves around candidates’ individual faith choices and perhaps, aspects of their racial or ethnic identity. Currently, however, politics targets American voters and others based on race and religion. The dangerous normalization of Islamophobia – at a time when American Muslims, South Asians and Arab Americans struggle with hate crimes, employment discrimination and bias-based bullying – is arguably one of the most pernicious resulting outcomes. A diverse panel of experts will explore this intersection and discuss how these issues are used and misused, today.