Monday, Oct 1, 2018
Grewal will discuss obstacles in life and politics as a Sikh-American
The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University will host "An Evening with Hon. Gurbir Grewal" on Monday, Oct. 29. The New Jersey Attorney General will discuss the book selected for Rider’s 2018-19 Shared Read, How Does it Feel to Be a Problem? Being Young and Arab in America, as well as his own obstacles in life and politics.
Grewal will share his experiences of growing up in New Jersey as the son of Indian immigrants, and how he deals with routine death threats and hate by rising above them with compassion and respect. In July, Grewal earned admiration for the grace and dignity with which he handled radio hosts who singled him out for observing his faith by wearing a turban. He will also discuss his vision for New Jersey to lead the nation in protecting the civil rights of all people.
Though How Does It Feel to be a Problem? focuses on Arab-Americans, Director of the Rebovich Institute Micah Rasmussen '92 thought Grewal would be a good fit to discuss the issues presented in the book.
“I sent him a copy of the book to ask him if he would be interested in coming to campus, and he generously agreed," says Rasmussen. "I'm incredibly excited for the evening. He is so widely admired for the grace with which he talks about his own experiences of growing up as a Sikh-American in New Jersey. It will be a tremendous learning experience for all of us."
Rider’s Shared Read program is designed for incoming freshmen and open to the entire campus community. Each freshman is given a book to read over the summer and must complete assignments related to it at orientation. Throughout the school year, there are also additional events tied into the Shared Read, such as Grewal's visit. The book's author, Moustafa Bayoumi, will deliver a keynote lecture at Rider on Oct. 2.
In January, Grewal became the 61st Attorney General for the State of New Jersey and the first Sikh-American Attorney General in the country. Previously he served as county prosecutor in Bergen County, where he was the first Sikh American in the country to be named a county prosecutor.
The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics is dedicated to public services and scholarly analysis of government, public policy, campaigns and elections in New Jersey. Founded in 2001 by the late Professor David Rebovich (1949–2007), the Institute is a dynamic and creative home where students can network, study and gain practical experience in New Jersey politics.
Other Rebovich events planned for the fall at Rider include an appearance by Dr. Jeff Van Drew, a candidate for New Jersey’s Second Congressional District, on Nov. 15.
This event is free and open to the public and campus community. The opening reception begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Cavalla Room of the Bart Luedeke Center with the program and Q&A session starting at 7 p.m. Questions about the program should be directed to Susan Cuccia at 609-896-5350 or [email protected].
