Oct 26, 2011
Print This Post
The Washington, D.C. Office of Human Rights confirmed that it is investigating allegations that Catholic University violated the human rights of Muslim students by not allowing them to form a Muslim student group and by not providing them rooms without Christian symbols for their daily prayers.
The investigation alleges that Muslim students “must perform their prayers surrounded by symbols of Catholicism – e.g., a wooden crucifix, paintings of Jesus, pictures of priests and theologians which many Muslim students find inappropriate.”
A spokesperson for the Office of Human Rights told Fox News they had received a 60-page complaint against the private university. The investigation, they said, could take as long a six months.
JOIN TODD’S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!
The complaint was filed by John Banzhaf, an attorney and professor at George Washington University Law School. Banzhaf has been involved in previous litigation against the school involving the same-sex residence halls. He also alleged in his complaint involving Muslim students that women at the university were being discriminated against. You can read more on those allegations by clicking here.
Banzhaf said some Muslim students were particularly offended because they had to meditate in the school’s chapels “and at the cathedral that looms over the entire campus – the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.”
“It shouldn’t be too difficult somewhere on the campus for the university to set aside a small room where Muslims can pray without having to stare up and be looked down upon by a cross of Jesus,” he told Fox News.
A spokesman for Catholic University released a statement to Fox News indicating they had not seen any legal filings — but would respond once they do.
“Our faithfulness to our Catholic tradition has also made us a welcome home to students of other religions,” said Victor Nakas, associate vice president for public affairs. “No students have registered complaints about the exercise of their religions on our campus.”
In a 2010 interview with National Public Radio, university president John Garvey acknowledged that they don’t set aside prayer rooms for Muslim students.
“We make classrooms available, or our chapels are places where they can pray,” he told NPR. “We don’t offer Halal meat, although there are always meals that conform to Halal regulations, that allow students to do what they want.”
Banzhaf said that it is technically not illegal for Catholic University to refuse to provide rooms devoid of religious icons.
“It may not be illegal, but it suggests they are acting improperly and probably with malice,” he said. “They do have to pray five times a day, they have to look around for empty classrooms and to be sitting there trying to do Muslim prayers with a big cross looking down or a picture of Jesus or a picture of the Pope is not very conductive to their religion.”
As for the creation of a Muslim student group, Banzhaf said the university has an association of Jewish students – so why not a Muslim group?
“I think they are entitled as a matter of law to be able to form a Muslim student association and to have the same privileges as associations,” he said. “I think that most of them would much prefer to have a place to pray – that they are not surrounded by various Catholic symbols – a place that is more conductive to their religious beliefs than being surrounded by pictures of Popes.”
Garvey, in his 2010 interview with NPR, addressed that issue.
“It’s just not something that we view as an activity that we want to sponsor because we’re a Catholic institution rather than Muslim,” he said.
Patrick Reilly, the president of the Cardinal Newman Society, an organization that promotes Catholic identity among Catholic schools, seemed stunned by the complaint.
“I don’t know what the attorney wants them to do – if he wants them to actually move the Basilica or if the Muslim students can find someplace where they don’t have to look at it,” he told Fox News.
Catholic University, he said, is a Catholic institution.
“One wouldn’t expect a Jewish institution to be responsible for providing liturgical opportunities for other faiths and I wouldn’t expect a Catholic institution to do that,” he said.
“This attorney is really turning civil rights on its head,” he said. “He’s using the law for his own discrimination against the Catholic institution and essentially saying Catholic University cannot operate according to Catholic principles.”
Read coverage from Catholic University’s student newspaper by clicking here.
FOX News Talk
who cares about muslims, i hope they all die, death to islam my they rot in a pigpen.
who cares about muslims, i hope they all die, death to islam my they rot in a pigpen.
I should add that there were no Muslim Universities before Christians first established theirs to educate their priests! Though come to think of it, maybe they could use a few!
I should add that there were no Muslim Universities before Christians first established theirs to educate their priests! Though come to think of it, maybe they could use a few!
Simple solution: Do not go to a Catholic University for your education.
Simple solution: Do not go to a Catholic University for your education.
what is wrong with you people, if your toes are stepped on and you do not like it move somewhere else, go to school some place else know one ask you to go to school here go to your middle eastern country and go. Americans when can you say it stops here,, quite given everyone else what your for father fought and die for. For Christ sake STAND up for your rights…
How sad that they were offended. What did they expect to find at Catholic University. I think that is just one more case of the Muslims trying to pick away at the America life style. If they don't like it here, go back to where they came from.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=tCAffMSWSzY#t=28
Somebody elected this empty suit!
I HOPE it CHANGES in November!
to hell with the Muzzies.
Why would you choose to attend a CATHOLIC university if you are offended by Catholicism? There are plenty of schools in the U.S. that are non-religious.
I agree with Christy, this is a private Catholic University, nobody forced them to go there. You accept the school as is or you go someplace else. This is getting ridiculous.
Muslim bigots are free to LEAVE a PRIVATE Catholic university that they CHOOSE to attend.
WTF? It's a CATHOLIC University! I have a great idea…if Muslim students, who are going to a Catholic University for whatever reason, can't find a place to pray ON CAMPUS that is suitable and acceptable for them, find one OFF CAMPUS. I'm sure there must be a Mosque somewhere in D.C., just ask Obama.
WTF? It's a CATHOLIC University! I have a great idea…if Muslim students, who are going to a Catholic University for whatever reason, can't find a place to pray ON CAMPUS that is suitable and acceptable for them, find one OFF CAMPUS. I'm sure there must be a Mosque somewhere in D.C., just ask Obama.
WTF? It's a CATHOLIC University! I have a great idea…if Muslim students, who are going to a Catholic University for whatever reason, can't find a place to pray ON CAMPUS that is suitable and acceptable for them, find one OFF CAMPUS. I'm sure there must be a Mosque somewhere in D.C., just ask Obama.
I did not know they were under any gun and had to go where they were uncomfortable. I would not attend a Muslim University for very obvious reasons. This kind of complaint comes from those seeking to cause problems and trouble, not learn. At least that is what I think!
I did not know they were under any gun and had to go where they were uncomfortable. I would not attend a Muslim University for very obvious reasons. This kind of complaint comes from those seeking to cause problems and trouble, not learn. At least that is what I think!
I did not know they were under any gun and had to go where they were uncomfortable. I would not attend a Muslim University for very obvious reasons. This kind of complaint comes from those seeking to cause problems and trouble, not learn. At least that is what I think!
The answer is "NO"! Muslim students knew what college they are attending. This is not a government school, this is a Catholic school. There is not a chance Muslim students were clueless. Let the cross stay…and the students..no matter their faith or religion…study.
The answer is "NO"! Muslim students knew what college they are attending. This is not a government school, this is a Catholic school. There is not a chance Muslim students were clueless. Let the cross stay…and the students..no matter their faith or religion…study.
The answer is "NO"! Muslim students knew what college they are attending. This is not a government school, this is a Catholic school. There is not a chance Muslim students were clueless. Let the cross stay…and the students..no matter their faith or religion…study.
It's a Catholic University what did they not understand about that before they enrolled? Go to a different college.
I say, I am going to a Muslim whatever and carrying a cross into the building and then say…..oh, I thought this was a place of worship. When they kill me the ACLU will come to my defense and my family will be set for life. The cross will have Jesus on it!
“He’s using the law for his own discrimination against the Catholic institution and essentially saying Catholic University cannot operate according to Catholic principles.”.
Well, that about sums is up… Islam teaches infiltration and use of their enemies own institutions to destroy them no? Attacks from Hatetheists…from Islam…from every front; Christianity is under seige. Might be time to go old testament on some of these enemies…only so much turning of the cheek one can do. What so say we all?
Yeah, I committed necropostia…need to have my say.
Muslims do not belong in a Catholic University. Keep them out.
Muslims do not belong in a Catholic University. Keep them out.
Muslims hate Catholics. Catholics are infidels and Muslims are taught to kill them. Keep an eye on them – They must be looking for a place to plant a bomb.
Muslims hate Catholics. Catholics are infidels and Muslims are taught to kill them. Keep an eye on them – They must be looking for a place to plant a bomb.
If the Muslims don't like it, let 'em go back to Iran, or whatever other god-forsaken piece of desert they came from, and go to school there. Perhaps they need to get an education BEFORE they come to America….that way they can read the words "Catholic University"….and move on!
Get over it, you hate-filled camel jockeys!
This is just ridicules..We were founded by people who risked life and limb, left everything and started with nothing in order to belive the way they wanted to.Although, Christianity is the backbone of our countrys beliefs, tolerence for alternative faiths was put in place..Now that tolerence has been turned against what is the norm and majorities are overruled by judges, that represent small minority views.When does this stop..When does common sense come in and say"yes it does offend 20 people out of 100..but 80 either are happy or don't mind..WAKE THE FUCK UP..
I don't like certain foods….therefore I don't eat them. It's funny how all these "special rights" groups want us all to be so tolerant of their "lifestyle" but they can't tolerate any other views they don't like.
If Muslins decide to go to a Catholic school they should not expect special consideration for their religion. Go to a Muslin school if it is a big deal to you. No religious institution should be made to provide for a different one.
why are they so unsure of their faith that a cross or a picture bothers them so much.
If you do not wish to see a Cross, do not go to a Catholic University. It is a Christian School and those offended should not make an application to this school. It is time, we as Christians take our rights back. Other government supported schools may be a better fit than purposely applying to a Christian School to cause problems.
Amen
The ONLY reason for a Muslim to go to a Catholic university is to have an excuse to complain and attempt to repress any Christian symbols or activities. They are doing this and worse all over the United States. If planes won't work, conquer us through our schools and liberal media!
It is important to inform most of those who've posted here that this nation is not a Christian nation, nor does it establish or prohibit ANY religion in regards to the State. Read the First Amendment to our Constitution.
That being said, I agree with most of those who've posted here. In a PRIVATE school you can place religious symbols relevant to the formation of said school. In a GOVERNMENT sponsored school you cannot. An institution called "The Catholic University", non-governmental, one would expect Catholic related symbols. To FORCE such institution to remove its related symbols or to provide separate space to a non-Catholic entity would violate the Constitution. The providence of a separate non-Catholic space is purely at the discretion of the school.
If one studies Islam, one will find that it is a core belief that Islam is a "religion" that is meant to replace Judaism and Christianity, the "obsolete" "believers of the book (the bible)". As a buddhist, and not "of the book" I suppose I'm an infidel destined for execution. However, I'm also a US Marine (retired), so to anyone who expects to execute me, I offer the following: I was well trained, experienced combat in Vietnam, so if you want to live don't even think of trying to kill me – you will fail.
Well then our Government is failing us Americans completely! For our very own Government to go and accomidate muslims or other foriegn people like this, while telling Americans we cant have a Christmas Tree in the White House, its a "Holiday Tree" or the BS about children in school how they cant say the pledge of alliagenc anymore because "God" is in the verses, taking OUR GOD out of every aspect of American life…are we heading for a Communist Country afterall?? When GOD was welcomes in the white house during prayers, christmas, christings back about oh 30 years or so ago, America prospered! We had little debt, things were good for people all over the US, because …we worshipped Him and he brought blessings upon us. Now…America has thrown him out, cursed him, said we dont need him in our schools or military any more. This deeply hurt God. For now he knew it was coming to the time of wrath and rapture. God's Wrath. Look at our world. what do you see? Tidalwaves, Earthquakes, Famine, Hurricanes. And this isnt even the beginning.
Well then our Government is failing us Americans completely! For our very own Government to go and accomidate muslims or other foriegn people like this, while telling Americans we cant have a Christmas Tree in the White House, its a "Holiday Tree" or the BS about children in school how they cant say the pledge of alliagenc anymore because "God" is in the verses, taking OUR GOD out of every aspect of American life…are we heading for a Communist Country afterall?? When GOD was welcomes in the white house during prayers, christmas, christings back about oh 30 years or so ago, America prospered! We had little debt, things were good for people all over the US, because …we worshipped Him and he brought blessings upon us. Now…America has thrown him out, cursed him, said we dont need him in our schools or military any more. This deeply hurt God. For now he knew it was coming to the time of wrath and rapture. God's Wrath. Look at our world. what do you see? Tidalwaves, Earthquakes, Famine, Hurricanes. And this isnt even the beginning.
If the cross offends you, you have the right NOT to go there. That is what freedom is all about. You also have the freedom to buy a one way ticket back to your country of origin (or any country who's beliefs you acknowledge and admire) and leave the USA for good. No one is stopping you.
I think it is sad how they are trying to take over our country. It is so pathetic that they are in a Catholic University. All they need to do is leave and go to a different one – or go back to their own country. I believe that this is a statement they are wanting to make. May God have mercy on our country and Americans need to wake up!
It is a CATHOLIC university NOT a muslim university. The muslims need to STFU or GTFO.
I agree that it's utterly ridiculous to even have ANY other religious students at a Catholic University. How silly, really. I side with the Catholics on this one.
It's CATHOLIC university, Not a $HARIA university. get your heads out of you a$$e$. If you don't like the religious symbols don't apply for admission.
Just came upon this and I had to comment. This makes me sick…My parents immigrated to this great country so that we could exercise our Catholic faith among many other great things this country offers…I don't understand why we have to be so accommodating to every one that does not want to embrace our values and culture…especially these people that are out to destroy every thing we stand for. Enough is enough.. They have to learn to speak &, write English, then pound the.
Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution into their heads and if they don't pass the test for all of the above, kick them out to their Muslin run countries where they can practice their faith and adhere to Sharia Law.
As long as Catholic University isn't getting federal funds, the Muslims really don't have any complaints here. Of course, a lot of Christians are complaining about Vanderbilt University eliminating all religious groups on campus as an easy way to eliminate individuals controversies, yet some of the Christians will defend Catholic U. on this one but not Vanderbilt University on theirs. To them I say: be consistent and get off the notion that this is suppose to be a Christian theocracy. It isn't.
screw the muzzies.
not really ; too much like a camel
Ironically nowhere in the US Constitution does it say "Separation of Church and State" it does not even come close to that, separation of church and state is a liberal interpretation of the first amendment! what it DOES SAY in the US Constitution is.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
You have got to be kidding me? what a freaking stupid question is that. It is like can we allow Hajibs (whatever they are called) to be worn in a mosque. This nation's stance at accommodating everyone but the natural born citizens and christians is in a downward spiral. +
No surprising that this demand should be made at a faith based college. This is intentional and we will lose our culture and freedom to express our religion if we do not protect the rights of Christians. I just shipped packages to soldiers in Afghanistan and you can't believe how much we submit to their rules for what our troops are allowed to have in their possession so we do not offend them on their soil.
Dude, I'm not Catholic, so I wouldn't attend a Catholic university. Why are the muslims always stirring the pot? And we let them! When in Rome, do as the Romans. Good Lord, people….
Dude, I'm not Catholic, so I wouldn't attend a Catholic university. Why are the muslims always stirring the pot? And we let them! When in Rome, do as the Romans. Good Lord, people….
Likewise, if I lived in a. Muslim country, would I be able to fly a Christian flag or hang a cross? NOT!
Lets see- Catholic university, crosses, Catholic clergy, Catholic themed curriculum. I don't see any human right violations, I see poor judgement calls by muslims that decide to attend a Catholic University. Freedom of choice. You didn't have to go there. No one put a gun to your head and made you go attend classes. Don't like it, pack up and attend a school that meets your religious needs.