Halal Day proves popular at Queensland uni

Hundreds of students at Griffith University’s sleepy Nathan campus in the suburbs of Brisbane joined in a “100 percent Halal Day” on 20 May. Initiated by the Griffith University Socialist Alternative club, the Halal Day event brought together anti-racists on campus and helped build awareness about counter-rallies against the Reclaim Australia demonstrations in July.

A section of the university was brought to life, with colourful anti-racist memes on display and a delicious Halal barbeque on the go. More than 300 signatures were collected on a petition calling for solidarity with the Muslim community.

Those who stopped could also poke fun at the Senate inquiry into halal certification recently secured by Liberal senator Corey Bernadi by guessing how many subversive food items like Vegemite and Caramello Koalas are in fact halal.

Speaking about the inquiry, Mourad Alili, a PhD student, who helped on the day, said, “What they are doing is the same as governments around the world, focusing on something ridiculous instead of social issues and their own mistakes”.

Mourad said he was impressed with the turnout. “Seeing Muslims and non-Muslims supporting an event like this, I feel more comfortable and confident. I told people from my home country about this and they were so happy.”

“Sometimes oppressed people feel alone, but seeing people on the other side of the planet standing up … it’s good”, he said.