OLYMPIA, Wash. — Members of the Muslim Student Association of the University of Washington (MSA UW) were part of a group that gathered in Olympia on Monday to meet with legislators about the issues of Islamophobia (prejudice against Muslims) and low-income housing. The group included 10 members from MSA UW, several Seattle high-school students, and a couple of working professionals.

The group met with three Democratic legislators from the 46th district – Rep. Scott White, Rep. Phyllis Gutíerrez Kenney and Sen. Ken Jacobsen’s assistant – as part of the 2010 Washington State Muslims Day at the Capitol. Jacobsen represents the U-District but could not attend in person due to a committee meeting.

The group presented the legislators with an English translation of the Quran and a DVD intended to explain the fundamental principles of Islam.

“Overall, I think it was a great success. All of the attendees from MSA UW had a great time talking to legislators and learning about the lobbying process,” said Amina Ramadan, the public relations officer for MSA UW. “We will definitely want to do this again if we get a chance.”

The executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations of Washington, Arsalan Bukhari, organized the event. Bukhari said that Muslims have the desire to be engaged and that the day provided the opportunity for them to do so.

In his closing remarks, he said it was an educational process for everyone; the legislators learned more about Islam and the Muslims learned how to engage with their legislators and talk about issues of concern, primarily Islamophobia.

“Diversity makes democracy stronger,” White said after the meeting.

White believes that differences need to be embraced for the future success of the United States, regardless of religion, ethnicity or country of origin.

Bukhari said the turnout was greater than expected. The first year they did this event, five Muslims attended. This year, more than 300 Muslims signed up, and about 100 legislators attended.

“Muslims are always underrepresented in politics,” said MSA UW member Selma Elgabalawy. “It’s refreshing to see legislators taking notes and building bridges with us. I believe this is a step in the right direction for our future.”

Another MSA UW member, Fereshta Noman, said that she thinks it’s very important to be aware of the effects of discrimination in the Muslim community.

“This day really helped us spread awareness and take a further step in eliminating racism, stereotypes and discrimination, not only about Muslims but about other [minorities] as well,” she said.

During the group’s meeting with Kenney, the representative shared her experience with racism coming from a family of migrant Mexican farmers. The issues that the group discussed, such as low-income housing and discrimination, are very important to Kenney, and she feels that everyone must work together to eliminate them.

Reach contributing writer Sepideh Behzadpour at news@dailyuw.com.