Interview with Mayanthi Fernando, Professor of Anthropology at UC Santa Cruz

Interview with Mayanthi Fernando, Professor of Anthropology at UC Santa Cruz

Author: Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues May 11, 2026 Duration: 0:00
Student Project Manager Ella Layton ’26 interviews Mayanthi Fernando, professor of anthropology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. In the conversation, Fernando discusses where laïcité or secularism in France draws the line on public displays of religion differently than in the United States. The wearing of veils by Muslim women in France is such a national controversy because it disrupts the French republic’s ideal that religion should not interfere with so-called public order. The marginalization, culturally and federally, these women experience is aggravated by the long ideological tradition of racialization of Islam and North Africans. This interview concludes with Professor Fernando stating that change must happen at a local level, centering difficult dialogue and uncomfortable conversations to move towards a religiously diverse French republic. Read more

Hosted by the Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues, this The Clarke Forum For Contemporary Issues podcast series captures the essence of live, thoughtful conversations with a diverse range of leaders, thinkers, and practitioners. Each episode is drawn from the Forum's longstanding commitment to engaging the public on the most pressing topics of our time, offering listeners a front-row seat to discussions that would typically happen on a college campus. You'll hear guests explore the intersections of policy, culture, ethics, and innovation, breaking down complex subjects into accessible and compelling dialogue. The content naturally spans the categories of education and self-improvement, as these conversations are designed not just to inform but to challenge perspectives and inspire personal and civic growth. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with a community curious about how contemporary issues shape our world and our individual roles within it. The dialogues are unscripted and authentic, providing a deep dive into the ideas and experiences that define modern leadership. It’s an opportunity for lifelong learning, available wherever you listen, inviting you to reflect on how we understand and respond to a rapidly changing society.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 34

The Clarke Forum For Contemporary Issues
Podcast Episodes
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