At CASIM, we acknowledge that no space is free of power relations, particularly around historical axes of indigeneity, race, gender, sexual orientation, and class. We recognize that redressing structural relations of power is an ongoing project which the Council must continually tackle by developing strategies that identify sites of exclusion within the Canadian Academy and within CASIM itself. Beyond creating a cultural ethos in which council members can engage in open exchange on these matters, CASIM will be subject to annual assessments by a Diversity and Inclusion consultant.
As a Canadian association that plans to work and meet within Canada, CASIM provides access to scholars of Islam residing within the country who are subject to state surveillance and travel restrictions, most especially to the US. Similarly, as a uniquely Canadian association, we will work to build relationships with Indigenous communities of Turtle Island upon whose land we work and meet. We commit to forging partnerships with Indigenous communities, elders, and organizations to honor the stewards of this land and to use our platform to act in allyship with Indigenous peoples.
At CASIM, we recognize that within broader trends of scholarship on Islam and Muslims, Black Islam as a field of enquiry has been especially marginalized. We aim to create an environment that both develops opportunities for Black Muslim scholars and promotes scholarship that enhances knowledge of Black Muslim history and societies.Through featuring Black Islam in our conference panels and call for papers, as well as developing networks, awards, and other resources for junior scholars, we hope to actively engage scholars of Black Islam and Black Muslim cultures as part of our broader commitment to account for forms of structural exclusion in our organization.