Eboo Patel is a civic leader who believes that religious diversity is an essential and inspiring dimension of American democracy. Named “one of America’s best leaders” by U.S. News and World Report, Eboo is Founder and President of Interfaith America, the leading interfaith organization in the United States. Under his leadership, Interfaith America has worked with governments, universities, private companies, and civic organizations to make faith a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division.
Eboo served on President Obama’s Inaugural Faith Council, has given hundreds of keynote addresses, and has written five books, including We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy. He is an Ashoka Fellow and holds a doctorate in the sociology of religion from Oxford University, where he studied on a Rhodes scholarship. Eboo lives in Chicago with his wife, Shehnaz, and their two sons.
by Eboo
The regular people who worked at my local Y showed me how everyday institutions can bridge divides and level the playing field.
The work of pluralism is essential, and it is inspiring, and colleges are perfectly positioned to do it well.
What do we mean by the work of pluralism? What does it mean to do it well? How can colleges lead the way? Let’s consider some cases.
The United States is the most religiously diverse nation in human history and the most religiously devout nation in the Western Hemisphere. … The question of whether religious identity is going to be a bridge of cooperation, a barrier of division or a bludgeon of domination will play a determining role in our common life together.
Students with the skills to treat diverse viewpoints with curiosity and respect will be prepared to navigate the complexities of the real world, say Eboo Patel and Rebecca Russo.
I submitted testimony for the House Education and Workforce Committee hearing entitled, “Holding Campus Leaders Accountable and Confronting Antisemitism.”
The Dec. 5 hearing, and an earlier one on Nov. 14, were specifically about the relationship between antisemitism and diversity work at universities. It’s a crucial topic that demands direct address, and it’s not surprising that the hearing made headlines across the country.
Now is the time for your college to make pluralism a central principle of campus life.
Yes, now, as you watch dueling protests on your quad and realize that diversity, free speech and social justice advocacy are important values for a college to uphold but incomplete without a commitment to cooperation across difference.
by Eboo
by Eboo
Eboo Patel delivers keynotes for corporations, civic organizations, government, higher education organizations, and campuses.
Eboo Patel consults with corporations, civic organizations, government, higher education organizations, and campuses.
Eboo Patel’s publications, interviews, and appearances include the New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, among many others.
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“A blueprint and a guidebook for an inclusive twenty-first-century democracy.” — Van Jones
“A beautifully written story of discovery and hope.” — President Bill Clinton
“A field guide to the critical territory we have traversed in this eventful, young century.” — Krista Tippett
“Eboo Patel is one of the most inspiring and successful interfaith leaders on the national, and even international, scene.” — Paul F. Knitter
“A refreshing, thought-provoking, myth-smashing, and deeply patriotic exploration of American identity and ideals.” — Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
Media Inquiries
Eboo Patel’s publications, interviews, and appearances include the New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, among many others. To inquire about media engagements, reach out to Silma Suba.
Silma Suba
Editor
Interfaith America Magazine
Speaking Engagements
Eboo Patel delivers keynotes for corporations, civic organizations, government, and campuses. To connect about speaking engagements, reach out to Teri Simon.
Teri Simon
Director of Executive Office
Interfaith America
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