ESU Backup Insider

Tim Connolly, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of philosophy and religious studies at ESU, organized a campus event to promote discussion of an important but controversial question: Does the United States have a moral duty to accept refugees who have nowhere else to go? The panel discussion, titled “What do we owe the Syrian refugees?” will be held on Wednesday, September 30 from 8 – 9:30 p.m. in Beers Lecture Hall.

The United States has been engaged in conflict in the Middle East for over a decade. Since 2011, a violent civil war in Syria has caused many Syrians to flee with the intention of finding a more stable and secure life. These individuals are now seeking asylum in countries in Europe and other parts of the world. Unfortunately, every country has a limit on the number of new residents it can take in, and many Syrian refugees are being denied entry into these “safe zones.” One of the largest and wealthiest countries in the world, the United States of America, has up until now accepted very few refugees in comparison to other countries.

“This is current. It’s happening now. Over four million Syrians have been forced to leave their war-torn country, and the rest of us have to decide what we should do for them. It should not be ‘out of sight, out of mind,’” Connolly said.

All students are encouraged to attend, even if they are unfamiliar with Syria. The panel will provide the audience with different perspectives on the causes of the Syrian refugee crisis and on what should be done in response. Participants will also include Johan Eliasson, Ph.D., professor of political science; Storm Heter, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and religious studies; Erin O’Donnell, Ph.D., associate professor of history; and Cem Zeytinoglu, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication studies.

Connolly hopes that this discussion will raise awareness about this topic, and create conversation long after the event is over.

“This discussion is not meant to promote one view over another. It is meant to increase understanding, and allow for a thorough consideration of one of the most crucial moral issues of our time,” Connolly said.

For more information about this panel discussion, please contact Dr. Connolly at 570-422-3406.