The Muslim Students’ Association is spending this week trying to teach our community about its culture - and that awareness has never been more important than now.

Although the group’s Islam Awareness Week is an annual occurrence, the popularity of this year’s events will daunt the awareness weeks of the past. Many people around the community and nation are unaware of Muslim culture and that is something in need of change.

Stereotypes have worsened against Muslims since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, making life for many American Muslims, including MSU students, more difficult. It’s been a battle against discrimination and violence toward their people and faith every day, a battle that should not have to be fought.

On campus this week, guest speakers and open forums are being held in an effort to show terrorists were the cause of terrorism, not the people of Islam. Muslims are just as much a part of the MSU community as anyone else.

It is crucial for people to understand and accept the diversities of the Muslim culture, and not to simply reject them because they are different. What kind of informed decisions can be made when one does not have the proper knowledge? A person’s differences should not cause a feeling of intimidation, it should be a unique look into the views and cultures of that person.

In learning about the Muslim faith, and other religions, one may find they aren’t much different from other cultures. The United States does not have one religion. The strength of our nation is its diversity, and people from across the globe have made and continue to make their way to this country for freedom.

Discrimination has no place in our free land. Being patriotic goes beyond waving a flag and standing proud next to it. Being patriotic is also gaining and understanding knowledge about the diversity of this country.

Uncertain minds should take part in Islam Awareness Week, not because of recent events, but because it helps to further educate people in what this country is all about.