Please write a 1-2 page summary response to the panel discussion on the challenges Muslim Americans face post 2016 elections (details below).

PANEL: Muslim American / American Muslim Community Engagements: Opportunities and Challenges in the Aftermath of the 2016 Elections

In the aftermath of the 2016 election, the status of Muslims in the country and Santa Barbara has become a important object of debate. This panel will consider this topic by raising the following questions for discussion: What are the dynamics of community building among Muslims and non-Muslims in Santa Barbara? Who are the stakeholders and principle organizations? What are the local pathways of communication and community action? How do these pathways extend beyond the local community to translocal ones? What role does the University play in community building? What role should it play? How are issues of religious freedom, freedom of speech, social justice, civil rights, and gender equality pursued on the local level? These are key topics that a panel composed of academic and community participants will address. Particular attention will be given to how they have become especially meaningful in the context of the recent elections, anti-Muslim rhetoric and violence.