OUR VISION

IDSA was established on June 18, 2001 at the University of Texas at Austin by a group of students and faculty. IDSA’s main objective is to improve interactions in the university community by bridging the “dialogue gap” between Muslims and members of other faiths. We value constant positive action based on universal values such as love, respect, tolerance, mercy, and compassion which are crucial for healthy dialogue in a diverse university environment.

We believe that lack of understanding is the root cause of intolerance. We address the key issues all believers face such as intolerance, prejudice, and ignorance. Therefore, IDSA stresses education as key to dialogue. In such educational activities, we provide UT students and the local community interaction opportunities in the form of conferences, panels, art performances, as well as outings and screenings. In addition, we invite important figures to make presentations and speeches about interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and common grounds between religions.

Membership is open to UT students, faculty and staff.