This article discusses the vulnerability of U.S. professors of Islamic and Near Eastern studies, particularly if they are of Muslim origin. The author, a scholar of subjects related to literatures and cultures of the Muslim world, who is herself of Muslim origin, has found it more difficult in recent years to bring many topics to the classroom. Many educators in this field are no longer sure which subjects are okay. They wonder which discussions of Islam or of Muslim communities might be read as an apology for violence or a justification for terrorist acts. In this paper, the author relates her experience at a seminar session on diversity and tolerance in the work environment. She found that when this topic was broached, it was met with nods and smiles, but also with complete silence.