Meeting on October 20th, the George Washington University Student Association, Interfaith Action and Muslim Student Association, along with Campus Progress and the Interfaith Youth Core brought Eboo Patel on campus at the Hillel Center for a discussion on the role of religion in America. Moderated by Erica Williams of Campus Progress, the discussion attracted over 70 people, who packed the room to hear Mr. Patel.

Mr. Patel is the founder and director of the Interfaith Youth Core, a nonprofit organization that aims to build relationships between young people of different faiths.

The questions brought forth by Ms. Williams, along with the thoughtful answers by Mr. Patel, brought attention to an issue that is often left in the backs of people’s minds. In an increasingly pluralistic society when it comes to religion, people such as Mr. Patel and his organization aim to spread understanding and acceptance, which is exactly what this discussion did. Most interesting was the way Mr. Patel made clear the connection of religious pluralism as a bedrock for other progressive movements. The students were visibly engaged in the discussion and were eager to speak to Mr. Patel following the event. The students at George Washington were thankful for his visit and noted an enthusiasm to explore this topic further.