Interfaith/Intercultural Panel Discussion Was an Important First Step
On the evening of November 28th, McGill’s Department of Integrated Studies in Education hosted an Interfaith/Intercultural Panel Discussion, in response to Bill 21. Organized by Dr. Sheryl Smith-Gilman and moderated by Dr. Steven Jordan, the respected speaker panel conversed about current issues, with the goal of illuminating the concept of shared values in the face of bigotry. The shared dialogues allowed panel members to voice growing concerns related to rising acts of prejudice on school campuses and in our society as a whole. The event was described most aptly by Dr. Sabrina Jafralie as a “comfortable conversation”, in effect because the participants were of similar philosophies regarding Bill 21, and the first crucial step toward “the uncomfortable conversations that are needed” with those who have opposing views. Well attended by student groups and academic colleagues, feedback regarding the event was highly positive with comments such as “incredibly inspiring and helpful in understanding so many of the issues surrounding Bill 21” having been sent to Dr. Smith-Gilman.
Congratulations to the organizers and to the esteemed panel:
Imam Musabbir Alam (Co-Founder Canadian Muslim Alliance)
Richard “Bugs” Burnett (LGBTQ+ Media and Journalist)
Reverend Glen Chestnutt (Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul)
Jodi Derkson (FAST Director of Educational Programs)
Dr. Ratna Ghosh (Distinguished James McGill Professor, William C. MacDonald Professor)
Dr. Sabrina Jafralie (DISE Course Instructor)
Rabbi Reuben Poupko (Beth Israel Beth Aaron Synagogue)
Dr. Shaheen Shariff (James McGill Professor)
John Sylliboy (L’nu from Millbrook Mi’kmaw Community; DISE PhD Student)