Oct 26, 2011
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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.
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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
Very simple solution. Go to school somewhere else. The Catholic school has allowed you to come get an education. You are not required to be there. I am sick of muslims whining. This is America. Get over it or leave.
Perhaps we should educate all who enter our country with the reason our nation was established. We also need to reeducate our citizens and our courts and elected government officials. In God we trust and For the people not for the single individuals or sects that want to establish their new america. Our churches and our crosses and logos on military logos are Grandfathered in America and in our consitution. America is under attack from with in our shores and we are Christian nation. We have fought and will fight again if need be to keep these values. Sign me up as a militant Christian ready to BATTLE FOR GOD and our Flag and consitution.
You can add the rights to bear arms and free speech to my signature for battle as well.
In today's society lawyers are using the Second Amendment to discriminate against religions. The 2nd Amendment has nothing to do with this Situation. It is a PRIVATE institution and those of other beliefs are making a CHOICE to attend knowing what the institutions beliefs are. If they were really concerned about their "Faith" and inability to practice without Our Lord Jesus Christ looking down on them they never would have applied in the first place. I pray for them and for the lawyers out to make money off of our Constitution by manipulating and twisting the words and meaning.
If a Muslim student wants to go to a Catholic University. Then live with the fact that there will be crosses and pictures depicting the passion and life of Christ. Time has come to stop coddling those who choose knowing all well where they were going, not that they were told they had to go there. and " LIVE WITH IT "! or go home where you won't be hindered or choose a school that is not a CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY.
Sorry private University, private rules.. go to a state run one if you got a prob.. Just saying.. Its not like they all of a sudden became catholic.. This didn't come out of no where.. You knew what you were getting into when you enrolled you can only blame yourself.
Sorry private University, private rules.. go to a state run one if you got a prob.. Just saying.. Its not like they all of a sudden became catholic.. This didn't come out of no where.. You knew what you were getting into when you enrolled you can only blame yourself.
If the muslims don't like it…. let them go to another university. What part of Catholic University are they toooooo stupid or ignorant to understand? If there were a Muslim University in the U.S., and I am glad that there is none, they certainly would not remove their religious trinkets from their mosques so that Christians could pray.
Sorry Jonathan, you're mistaken. In August 2010, they opened one in Berkeley, of course. The following excerpt is from an article in CBN: "School officials say they hope to enroll 2,000 students in ten years. but the first day of classes at Zaytuna College, in Berkeley, Calif, began with just 15 students."
If the Muslims don't like the crosses in a Catholic school they shouldn't go to one. Let them all go back to the Middle east where they belong. While there they can demand that catholic crosses be put up in Mosques.
Its time to take the flag and our country back–ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Christy I agree with you..let a catholic do something or say something at a Muslim place of worship…they would be beaten, their life threaten, it's a Private Catholic school what the hell do they expect…
Oh Larry, don't you know? They don't expect equal treatment but special treatment.
Don't like it go to a Muslim school.
Hmmmmm. This just blows me away..
I actually wouldn't be surprised if this were the very reason these students enrolled here….to cause a 'human rights' issue and try to force the university to remove it's Christian symbols or shut it down.
They can go back home!
Many Muslims are now born and raised here so they are home. Also depends if the catholic school is the best school around them. If they are made to do the crosses or dace punishment that is wrong no matter what religion they are. I was raised pentecostal and if I had attended a catholic school because it was the best school I would have had a problem with being forced to do it. And how many kids have the choice where they are SENT to school, don't hate on the kids. Even though they are a different religion they are still God's children.
Then they need to respect others religion as they expect us to respect theirs. This is a free country, but not thanks to Muslims. We offend them, if so then go back to a place where Muslim is favorable.
Unfortunately the muslim 'religion' encourages destroying any form of religion that isn't islamic. This is a very dangerous group of people, very calculating and patient to achieve their ultimate goal.
There are plenty of non religious schools available. These people went in, knowing it was a Catholic institution. To ask them to change their practices for a certain group is rude to say the very least. But I don't buy it. There is much more going on here than meets the eye.
Christopher Davis – Oh, please, you are breaking my heart here. Before these muslim students enrolled, if they didn't know it was Catholic, had Crosses, was a private college, did not believe in the moslum religion, then, they are too dumb to go to school. My God, send them to Saudi Arabia or Iran to attend a good muslam university with an "ahlaw prayer room". Case solved.
If you don't want to be surrounded by Catholic symballs don't go to a Catholic school, seems simple to me.
they can suck it.
It's a Catholic school, for God's sake! Don't go to a Catholic school if it offends you! Why do muslims go to Christian schools and expect them to take down their Christian symbols? That's idiotic. Why are they there in the first place? Why don't they go to a muslim university in, say, an Arab country. Jeez! How would they feel if Christians went to their schools and started demanding they keep it down with the call to prayer? They'd cut off our heads. Just sayin'.
Well when we have leaders that let them get away with it, what do you expect…especially when one of them is well, one of them.
If they don't like it let them go back to their crap hole country and stop messing in ours.
Ron J.
My comment will be along the same as everyone else: It is a Catholic University! The NAME is Catholic University. Really don't think they should have to make exceptions for ANY other religion. Would a Muslim university allow people to put up crosses or the Star of David ANYWHERE? Heck, most Muslim nations (the big ones like Saudi Arabia and Iran) won't even let you IN the country if you have been to Israel.
This is about as stupid as going to Burger King and asking for a big mack! Next thing will be churches have to remove the cross from their buildings because they are offending spmeone. For a nation built on gods law we sure are slipping hard
wow. really?
IF THEY DOn't LIKE OUR FLAG, CROSSES, WHAT's NEXT? THE PRESIDENT WILL TELL US HOW TO DRESS, HIS WIFE IS STILL TRYING TO TELL US WHAT TO EAT WHEN SHE EVERYTHING IN EVERY STATE SHE GOES TO, WE CANT GO TO A MUSLIM COUNTRY AND DO ANYTHING, BUT DIE, GET FALSELY ACCUSED IF THEY DOn't LIKE THE FREEDOM HERE WHY DOn't THEY GO BACK THE HEAD HUNTERS THAT RUN THEIR COUNTRY.
If they don't like the symbols and beliefs of the Catholic church, the school THEY chose, maybe they should go somewhere else. They knew when they started what it would be like. Just another way to discriminate against Christians.
Anyone up for a modern day Crusade?
Good grief! What did they expect???
Why in the Hell would a Muslim even want to go to a Catholic U except to start problems.
Amen Christy..you knew this was a Christian nation or at least it once was, when you came over here.
John Banzhaf needs another line of work. I'd suggest a liberal/socialist/progressive/communist politician.
Is that even a serious question?
Don't attend Catholic University! The name of the school tells you that it is a CHRISTIAN University! Matriculate at another liberal school, as America is pregnant with such institutions! Why should anyone or any institution be expected to compromise their beliefs to when when Christians are persecuted in Muslim countries; additionally, Americans are always talking about tolerance, but the Muslim faith is not tolerant!
No. It's a Christian University…You are a muslim and can't handle seeing that, go to a muslim university. SIMPLE.
As a Muslim, why would you want to attend a Catholic University? Doesn't make much sense to me; and YES, I am a PROUD CATHOLIC!
As a Muslim, why would you want to attend a Catholic University? Doesn't make much sense to me; and YES, I am a PROUD CATHOLIC!
Christians have got to stand up and let the Nation and World hear your voice! If we do not fight for our rights then we are are doomed to fail and suffer.
While I agree 1000% that this is a catholic university and they knew that going it, I personally feel they should go somewhere else. However, as soon as the university accepted tuition that was funded by govt grants or loans they pretty much signed away any rights as far as being a private college goes. It disgusts me, but the muslims will win.
yes in fact they do so all muslims should not got to catholoc universities, then they cant be offended actually they should not go to christian universities or how about staying out of christian countries, then we would not be having this discussion.
It's a catholic university for Christ sake, what do they expect. If I went to a Madrassa I'd expect to find a star and crescent.
Dumb asses.
Why not restate the question to arrive at the correct answer: Do Muslims that attend Catholic University violate the "human rights" of Catholics? Of course not. So if Muslims are so enraged about this, then just enroll at another college or university. Have we become so overtaken by political correctness in this nation that we are too fearful of standing up for anything at all lest it offend someone else? It is really ironic that some of those doing the loudest protesting of human rights violations, are themselves the biggest violaters. Of course it may be politicall incorrect to say this, but guess what? This is the truth whether we choose to boldly express it or timidly choose not to express it at all.
If people attending a CATHOLIC university are offended by catholic symbolism they can leave.
Nobody is forcing them to stay. I state this as a NON-Catholic.
Tolerance is accepting what is, not insisting that everyone else change to avoid offending each and every minority.
AMEN to that…ignorance breeds ignorance…and I think some should get a license to breed in general
If it were a muslim university would they ask if the crescent and star offends christians?
Fuck Muslims, I was molested by a catholic priest, whenever I see a cross or hear about Jesus I get filled with rage.
Really… it is at a Catholic University. If they do not agree go to a public university.
This is the best quote from the piece.
“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.”
You can forgive/dismiss the naivete of the students. As you said, it's a private institution and they're there out of their own free will. What sets me off is the idiot attorney who decided to take the case.
Then GTFO of a Catholic University you ignorant, filthy mudslimes. I am so sick and tired of all this PC, it is disgusting. Worse yet is that our very own government is encouraging this kind of crap. They are just trying to infiltrate and subvert anything that is NON-Mudslime. Their sick, pedophile leader and violent tendencies towards women is a violation of my religious beliefs, but surely that is just fine.
If the muslims have a problem with crosses than they can go to a muslim university – if religious people have to deal with everyone else and there belief than they can deal with religious beliefs.
I am offended each time I see a female Muslim or any female in subjugation.
what a bunch of lies… I'd rather live with Muslins, than most Christians…
Screw these people.
This is a joke. How about not CHOOSING to attend a Catholic university if you don't want to be surrounded by Catholic symbols?
Ya think?
It's like a vegetarian getting offended because they go to a burger joint only to find out that they serve meat.
Screw these people.
So know they want Catholics to conform to their traditions. Note: catholic. They should attend a liberal college if they want things their way
There are many other colleges and universities who gladly bend over backwards to appease the "Me First" crowd. The name Catholic University should have been the first clue about what students will be exposed to on campus. If you don't like a TV show, change the channel… if you don't like the restaurant, choose to eat elsewhere… if you don't like your school, TRANSFER!
You know, everyone wants the education catholic schools provide, but want things their way. This generatioin is spoiled – the "ME" generation.
No problemo. Just go to a great muslim university that has no crosses and be happy happy. OR, pull those burka's over your eyes and don't look at it.
The Muslims have taken Libya, Egypt and pretty soom Syria and then they are moving on en force to other places. Here in the states they are quietly using our own courts against us and fighting us every step of the way. We better be pre pared to stop this movement at some time or it will stop us. Hopefully Hillary will stop foolishly funding the brotherhoods so called fight for democracy. What a dope.
Are you kidding me, YOUR AT A CATHOLIC SCHOOL…
After reading this article, why would you attend a Catholic school if you are not of the Catholic Faith? It makes no sense at all! Then for someone who is Muslim to bitch about crosses. Get over yourself and attend a Muslim University or a Govt funded university. I am sick of people thinking that they are owed something and that they are entitled. DEAL WITH IT!
Maybe Catholic Schools should stop accepting non-Catholic students… period. And, I don't mean just the universities, I mean ALL Catholic schools. Dump all of the non-Catholics back into the government run shool systems. Maybe when the local governments are finished whining about having to deal with the increased student load, that they'll leave the Catholic schools to be run as "Catholic" schools.
Would the Muslims allow Catholics to install a Crucifix to pray to in a Mosque? Of course not. I agree, kick them out and let them go to Government schools, where they will get a lesser education.
Why on earth would a Muslim want to go to a Catholic institution? Just shows we have too many lawyers out there with nothing to do, so they try to get their name in the paper for something stupid. I liked the comment by someone who likened it to going into a strip club and then being offended by nudity. Duh! You knew what you signed up for after you took the tour, and you are free to leave. Please do. And don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out! This investigation is a waste of taxpayer $$.
Seriously?
Seriously?
This is just one reason why I don't want any more muslims in this country! They do not come here to assimilate, they come here to dominate and litigate! Hello, this is a Catholic School were you expecting all rooms to face toward mecca?
They are getting a good education but why would they knowingly go to a school that is founded on Christian values?…..makes me wonder if they are really going there for the education…or something else…???
Equal rights should NOT take away the rights of the citizens. This country was founded on Christian principles. WHAT do the Muslims coming to this country expect? Perhaps they should stay within their own Muslin countries.
I'm almost afraid to mention that Christian missionaries aren't attempting to assimilate into the culture and tradition of the lands they occupy either. No insult intended. It's just the business of religion conducting business as usual. Let's not get worked up.
This is just one reason why I don't want any more muslims in this country! They do not come here to assimilate, they come here to dominate and litigate! Hello, this is a Catholic School were you expecting all rooms to face toward mecca?