The Student Entertainment Events (SEE) at the University of Maryland plans to screen the film, American Sniper. This war propaganda guised as art reveals a not-so-discreet Islamaphobic, violent, and racist nationalist ideology. A simple Google search will give you hundreds of articles that delve into how this film has fueled anti-Arab and anti-Islamic sentiments; its visceral "us verses them" narrative helps to proliferate the marginalization of multiple groups and communities - many of which exist here at UMD.

American Sniper only perpetuates the spread of Islamophobia and is offensive to many Muslims around the world for good reason. This movie dehumanizes Muslim individuals, promotes the idea of senseless mass murder, and portrays negative and inaccurate stereotypes. Hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians suffered greatly in the Iraq war; innocent people were deposed from their homes, traumatized by war, and lost their spouse, parents, and children. This movie serves to do nothing but make a mockery out of such immense pain.

SEE is providing a platform for the spread of such an unjust, discriminatory form of entertainment. SEE has even acknowledged that the film depicts Muslims in a negative light and perpetuate negative ideas, values, and beliefs. According to SEE's constitution, they “work to enhance The Adele H. Stamp Student Union – Center for Campus Life (The Stamp) and its community atmosphere.” However, the screening of this film creates a dangerous climate for Muslim students and severely devalues the community atmosphere.

We ask that you exercise your freedom of speech to help us create a safer campus environment. It is imperative that we make our voices heard. Please join us in making a change to create a more inclusive and diverse community atmosphere. Be the change you wish to see in the world.