Anxieties lower for Muslims on Sept. 11

As the physical evidence of the attacks of Sept. 11 slowly fades, the hate crimes, ethnic intimidation and prejudicial behaviors are also declining, some students on campus said.

Muslim Students Association President Kenan Mossa-Basha, a Business senior, said, "Personally, I thought there was a great deal of anxiety in the aftermath of the attacks. There were many incidents of ethnic intimidation across the United States but now its gotten a lot better."

In the aftermath of the attacks, a lack of knowledge on the nation's behalf concerning Islam and the Arab world in general brought questions about Middle Eastern culture and religion.

"After Sept. 11, I saw people wanting to know more about all kinds of Muslim-related issues. Wearing the head scarf (hijaab) has become a symbol for knowledge. It makes people curious and when they're curious, they ask questions," LSA freshman Wajeeha Shuttan said.

Not only have looks influenced education, but the Near Eastern Studies department, in conjunction with the Middle Eastern and North African studies and history departments, also added classes to fulfill the growing need for education on issues concerning the Middle East, said a Near Eastern Studies faculty member.

"Things have died out a lot due to education. After Sept. 11, all the classes having to do with Arab or Islamic issues were filled. People have become a lot more educated and that has led to a definite change," Education junior Farah Anwarullah said.

Despite the numerous terrorist links found within the United States in the past year and the recent arrests of three Detroit men linked to terrorist organizations, the anxiety of members in the University community has been on the decline, some students said.

"There's a lot less worry. By and large it was heartwarming to see the University and Ann Arbor communities reach out to the Muslim community. There were a few ignorant people, but the vast majority were open-minded supporters," Mossa-Basha said.

The Muslim Students Association, along with numerous other student organizations, is contributing to the vigil tomorrow night on the Diag at 9 p.m. to commemorate the anniversary of the attacks.