The Canadian Association of University Teachers criticizes University for required faith statement, may investigate others

The National Post report that the Canadian Association of University Teachers has issued a report criticizing Trinity Western University for requiring its faculty sign a statement of Christian faith. The Association concluded that this requirement violated academic freedom. It also announced that it will investigate three other Christian institutions. See the article for detail and background to the dispute.

[The National Post via The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, Religion News]

“Arab Feminisms” discussed at conference at the American University of Beirut

BEIRUT: Academics, activists and researchers gathered at the American University of Beirut (AUB) Wednesday for the third and last day of a major conference to discuss Arab feminisms. The conference, “Arab Feminisms: A Critical Perspective,” was organized by the Lebanese Association of Women Researchers (also known as Bahithat) in collaboration with AUB’s Anis Makdisi Program in Literature and several other universities. It brought together some 46 individuals from across the world for discussions on the state, challenges, and future of contemporary Arab feminisms.

The conference was the first major event of its kind in Lebanon to address present-day feminist thought in the Arab region, and showcased numerous emerging and often conflicting schools of thought in contemporary theory.

The news article gives an overview of the panels and highlights some of the discussion among participants.

[The Daily Star of Lebanon via The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life: Religion News]

Saudi Arabia inaugurates first coed university

The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life flags an Associated Press report on the inauguration of the King Abdullah Science and Technology University (KAUST), the kingdom’s first coed university. King Abdullah on his hopes for the new foundation:

"Humanity has been the target of vicious attacks from extremists, who speak the language of hatred," King Abdullah said at the inauguration. "Undoubtedly, scientific centers that embrace all peoples are the first line of defense against extremists. And today this university will become a house of wisdom … a beacon of tolerance."

I wonder whether the KAUST’s focus on science and technology (as opposed, say, to humanities or social sciences) makes the step to coeducation easier and the hopes for tolerance more readily achievable.