March 10 marked the start of Ramadan, which continues until April 9. The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) would like to wish our Muslim students, staff, and faculty a Ramadan Mubarak! Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
Here are some ways we can be accommodating to our Muslim students and colleagues during this special month:
1. Don’t force students/colleagues to out themselves.
Muslim students and colleagues may decline to share their faith for fear of discrimination or simply personal preference. It is best not to ask if someone is observing Ramadan and instead assume you may have a Muslim student in your class or a Muslim colleague in your department. If someone does disclose their religion to you, don’t assume that they want that information shared publicly.
2. Avoid food-centric events and reduce potentially dangerous physical activity.
During Ramadan, fasting Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink (even water) between sunrise and sunset. If you are planning events serving food, consider offering a hybrid option. This way, anyone fasting can still participate without being uncomfortable around food. Additionally, students and colleagues may be experiencing low blood sugar, weakness, and other symptoms that make physical activity dangerous. Please avoid planning any activities that may require physical exertion.
3. Offer time and space for prayer.
During Ramadan, Muslims believe that their spiritual efforts are especially important and enhanced. Muslims who do not regularly pray will often do so, and those who do pray more regularly may pray even more during this time. The Office of EDI is working on creating a permanent interfaith space within the School of Nursing.
From March 10 to April 9, students and employees can use the conference room in the front of the Office of Student and Academic Services suite for prayer from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Outside of those hours, students may reserve a room in the Campus Center or use the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Interfaith Chapel on the ground floor of the Weinberg Atrium.
4. Lead with empathy.
Remember that Muslims, like every religious community, are not a monolith, and everyone will have a different relationship to their faith. Fasting can have an impact on energy levels, making it difficult to focus as the day progresses. We encourage students to refer to the Student Handbook for guidance on how to request religious observance accommodations.
Additionally, the Muslim Students and Scholars Association (MSSA) is a USGA-affiliated group dedicated to fostering fellowship among UMB students through the planning, development, and implementation of programmatic initiatives. Interested students can join the GroupMe here. The MSSA holds Friday prayers from 12 - 2 p.m. in the campus center.
Thank you for joining us In UniSON to make the School of Nursing a welcome place for all, regardless of background. Together we commit, together we act!