More than 1,000 people rally for Middle Eastern ISU students
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POCATELLO — A crowd of over 1,000 university students and faculty, community members, university administrators and city officials gathered outside the student union on the Idaho State University campus Monday to show support for the university’s Middle East students.
This rally is one of many community and city events that has taken place since news broke last week that Kuwaiti and Saudi students would leave ISU due to a rise in harassment and discrimination.
The event was hosted by Fahim Rahim — a local doctor, Muslim and longtime Pocatello resident. He has been outspoken for his support of not only the foreign students, but also the reputation of Pocatello has a tolerant community.
“We do not tolerate racism, bigotry or divide,” said Rahim.
University President Arthur Vailas also spoke, echoing Rahim’s message and adding that the foreign students — who make up 10 percent of the student body — provide a diversity and cultural education that is invaluable to the university.
Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad also talked, telling the students that they are an integral part of the community.
“We want to send a strong message to your families at home, and to your governments at home, that we are with you,” said Blad.
Azza Abugharsa — the vice president of the Islamic Society of Southeastern Idaho and an instructor at ISU — also spoke, sharing her experiences moving to the US and living in Pocatello as a Muslim. Ali Alharamelah, a Saudi student studying to get his Ph.D. at ISU, shared some of his experiences, as did Dr. Raphael Chijioke Njoku — the director of International Studies — who talked about some of his struggles as a foreign student in Belgium.
“Foreign students in our midst, I understand how you feel,” said Njoku. “Do not run away and tell tales about Pocatello and ISU. I’ve recorded more help in Pocatello than anywhere else in the world.”
Associated Students of ISU President Mackenzie Smith also spoke, calling for action — rather than just words — when it comes to issues of discrimination on campus, and Clayn Lambert represented the faculty senate.
“As a faculty we wholeheartedly condemn any acts of discrimination, intimidation or criminal activity that harms our student body,” said Lambert.
Pocatello Police Chief Scott Marchand also spoke as did Ken Monroe, the President of the Pocatello branch of the NAACP. Community member Kim Brown also spoke and ISU student Brie closed out the event with a poem.
Rahim also announced another community event — a block party held on the lawn at ISU on Saturday, April 30, from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. He invited everyone to come in traditional dress — or just clothes they particularly like.
“Just no speedos,” said Rahim. “That’s where I draw the line.”
He said he wants it to be a positive event to close out the school year.
After the rally, several dozen students and community members marched around the ISU campus with signs in a public show of support for foreign students.
This article was originally published in the Idaho State Journal. It is used here with permission.
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