For Immediate Release March 1, 2005

For More Information Contact: Diane Brown, 317-274-7711 habrown@iupui.edu

Talks, Tour of Mosque Form "Understanding Islam" Dean's Day at IUPUI

INDIANAPOLIS - As part of its Dean's Day celebration, the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI on Saturday (March 5) will offer a half-day continuing education program that will discuss the role of Islam in American society.

"Understanding Islam" will be held beginning at 8:15 a.m. Saturday at University Place Conference Center and Hotel, 850 W. Michigan St. Speakers include liberal arts faculty and a representative of the Islamic Center of North America.

Among the topics for discussion are: the practice, belief and duties of Muslims; the five pillars of Islam; Jihad; and the status of women in Islam.

Following an awards luncheon honoring outstanding liberal arts alumni, Dean's Day participants may choose to take a tour of the mosque and North American Muslim Society headquarters in Plainfield.

The Dean's Day program is one of several events about Islam that the School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI is sponsoring during March. Other events scheduled are:

• "Representations of the Veil" video presentation, 6-8 p.m. , Thursday (March 3), Lilly Auditorium, University Library, 755 W. Michigan St .
• "Women and Islam: Where Tradition Meets the West" panel discussion, noon - 1 p.m. , Wednesday, March 23, Lilly Auditorium, University Library.
• "The Diversity of Islam: What does Islam Mean to Me?" panel discussion, noon - 1:30 p.m. , Thursday, March 31, Room 508, Cavanaugh Hall, 425 University Blvd.

For additional information, call (317) 274-5063. ###