For many Americans, the Qur'an is difficult to read, its organization obscure, its messages cryptic or even threatening. Professor Carl W. Ernst will discuss strategies for making sense of the Qur'an's complex text during a series of events Nov. 1-2.

A series of workshops this fall sent Iowa City’s writing community and resources into other diverse communities to bring the excitement of literature and writing to youth around the state.

The Sphinx Virtuosi, an ensemble made up of top alumni soloists for the national Sphinx Competition for Black and Latino string players, will perform in the West High School auditorium Sunday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m.

Before the Hancher presentation of It Gets Better by the Los Angeles Gay Men’s Choir, the public is invited to join students and faculty for a lecture and discussion Friday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. in E105 Adler Journalism Building on the University of Iowa campus.

Several events in late October will allow Iowans to come together, share their unique stories, and participate in hands-on workshops to turn those stories into large-scale artistic masterpieces for the 2013 Iowa City Carnaval Parade.

A student and two staff members will be honored at the University of Iowa's 2012 Disability Celebration Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., in Room 115 in the Center for Disabilities and Development. This year's theme is "Keep Me in the Loop" and will feature a presentation, via technology, on hearing loops.

People have different perspectives about what constitutes respectful behavior. Before we can understand how to meet others’ expectations, we must be willing to engage in conversations—respectful ones—about just what those expectations are.

The University of Iowa’s Hancher will present "It Gets Better," an anti-bullying production based on the video project of the same name, on Friday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the Iowa Memorial Union Main Lounge on the UI campus.

Hancher is presenting "It Gets Better," an anti-bullying performance based on the video project of the same name and featuring members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles. Local vocalists will have the opportunity to be part of the performance.

Vocalist Lila Downs blends Mexican roots music with a host of other styles to create a sound all her own. Hancher will present her at the Englert Theatre on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Faculty oboist Andrew Parker will be the featured soloist in a free concert by the University of Iowa Chamber Orchestra at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, in the Riverside Recital Hall.

Do you have an idea that advances cross-cultural understanding, strengthens positive inter-group relations, and promotes a welcoming learning environment? If so, then you're encouraged to apply for the 2012-13 University of Iowa Diversity Catalyst Seed Grants by Oct. 15 to help plant these ideas and help them grow.