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
And why are we comparing this to how christains get treated in arab countries. We live in a free society, they don't, shouldn't we be the ones setting the example?
These comments are sensible. Why is it politicians don't have the common sense that us "regular" people have.
Hey, it's only fair, after all, there are no Moslem symbols in all those numerous Catholic universities in Saudi Arabia. In fact they don't have walls, doors or staff either.
To sum up this issue: GET OUT!
Do crosses at Catholic Universities violate the human rights of non-Catholics?
Do crosses at Catholic Universities violate the human rights of non-Catholics?
Robert, that's the problem. Moslem Universities exclude all non-Moslem students unless they agree to be Dimmis (follow certain restrictive rules). They violate human rights, and particularly women's rights, at every turn.
Robert, that's the problem. Moslem Universities exclude all non-Moslem students unless they agree to be Dimmis (follow certain restrictive rules). They violate human rights, and particularly women's rights, at every turn.
Robert, that's the problem. Moslem Universities exclude all non-Moslem students unless they agree to be Dimmis (follow certain restrictive rules). They violate human rights, and particularly women's rights, at every turn.
They're going to a catholic school? It makes no sense to me why a muslim would go to a catholic school and complain about it. Would you expect a jewish or muslim school to open up to christian symbols?
Maybe their parents wanted them to go there, or they really liked the academics. I can understand the frustration of having one religion & being so surrounded by another that you don't feel comfortable praying, etc. Just like if you were at a Buddhist university & didn't feel comfortable praying in any of the rooms b/c they all had Buddha statues. Private religious schools have the right to practice & display their declared religion. If these were Muslim high school kids whose parents forced them to go to a Catholic secondary school, that would be one thing, but going to a Catholic university if you're offended by Jesus symbols is a bit like moving to a nudist colony if you're creeped out by naked people.
Are you insane? Catholics have used this symbol forever. It depicts Jesus dying for the sins of man…the quinessenial reason for the beleif. Muslims have there own (too bad it involves killing innocent people) which they call their own. However, grow up you idiots, if they don't like it, go somewhere else like the rest of us do who actually have respect for other peoples rights.
Only if we use the crosses to beat the living daylights out of the terrorists.
Only if we use the crosses to beat the living daylights out of the terrorists.
Only if we use the crosses to beat the living daylights out of the terrorists.
Only if we use the crosses to beat the living daylights out of the terrorists.
Only if we use the crosses to beat the living daylights out of the terrorists.
Dumb, Dumb, Dumb! If you don't hold to Catholic values, then don't go to a Catholic school. Is it not enough to hijack planes and boats, now freedom of religion and the Christian faith have to be hijacked too? Didn't a false prophet attempt to do this to the Jewish religion aound 1,400 years ago? And, when he failed, he started his own religion by means of Jihad? Must we draw the line with our own faith, again, as we did during this same period in response to Jihad that led to the Crusades? What is it about our history lessons that we don't seem to be able to get right?
doesn't matter, you said it was a catholic college so anyone who would go there knows they are going to a religious school. a catholic college should have the same rights as a catholic church. sooner or later I am betting the country is going to find common sense again and use it.
doesn't matter, you said it was a catholic college so anyone who would go there knows they are going to a religious school. a catholic college should have the same rights as a catholic church. sooner or later I am betting the country is going to find common sense again and use it.
Maybe these students should look for a non-Catholic school. How about in Afghanistan or Iran. If we, as Americans, entertain or consider this type of behavior, we'll get what we deserve.
Maybe these students should look for a non-Catholic school. How about in Afghanistan or Iran. If we, as Americans, entertain or consider this type of behavior, we'll get what we deserve.
looks like the lawyer is the only one saying anything here so………
Lets just ask Barry…shall we? If he could actually speak the truth he would probably like to give you that answer.
Lets just ask Barry…shall we? If he could actually speak the truth he would probably like to give you that answer.
Each day is it something newly outrageous that all I can do is shake my head and think, "Fall of Rome.". Of course going to a nondenominational scool makes far too much sense. We are so beyond freedom of religion- literally the foundation of our country- that I fear we will never have common sense
, ever.
Each day is it something newly outrageous that all I can do is shake my head and think, "Fall of Rome.". Of course going to a nondenominational scool makes far too much sense. We are so beyond freedom of religion- literally the foundation of our country- that I fear we will never have common sense
, ever.
Does crucifying Christians in Syria and Egypt violate the rights of Muslims, because of the presence of the cross?
Does crucifying Christians in Syria and Egypt violate the rights of Muslims, because of the presence of the cross?
The world is upside down today isn't it?
They should be allowed to form a Muslim student group, as the Jews have been allowed to do, don't you think?
the 1st Amendment clearly Grants, freedom of speech and Religion. the US supreme court has passed down a ruling reinforcing that right. Schools public or private, must provide an make available place and and time for religious groups who want to exercise their right afforded them, under our Constitution. personally, I see nothing wrong with that.
but to make a fuss over Muslims , making a fuss over a cross at a Catholic Uiversity that THEY ARE ATTENDING? this is nothing more than a political ruse….. Muslims attend these institutions for the reason of educational opportunities. NOT FOR BEING AGAINST RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS.
In protest, these folks can also elect to remove themselves from attending said institution.
and that's all that I have to say about that….
agree
agree
agree
When you are looking for a school to go to, you have to realize that some are Catholic, Luthern, or some other basis. So if you know this and choose to go, then you are saying that you are okay with what is going on there.
One there is no Separation of Church and State read the constitution. If they don't like looking at the cross why did they come to a Catholic school. They are more than welcome to leave or they could convert but then when they went home they would be killed.
Let them go to a secular school if they don't like looking at the cross. Or they could convert but if they went home they would be killed by the leaders of their so call peaceful religion.
If you are Muslim and CHOOSE to attend a CATHOLIC university – get used to seeing crosses – a LOT of them. This is just plain stupid to even have to worry about this. If you do not like seeing them, then choose to attend school some where else….
Amen
crazy!!! I am on the fence, about believing but this is crazy!!!!!!!!!
This is BS…..you know it's a catholic university and then you complain…..hit the damn road…you aren't entitled to shit…..ya got my blood pumpin Dana!
))
This is ridiculous it's A Catholic University they enrolled there they knew the deal now they want to destroy the universities right to show the faith I'm a catholic these people need to find a mosque nearby it's not the Universities responsibility they don't support any other religious groups and can't move the Basilica so what do these Clowns want it's a war against religion.
This is ridiculous it's A Catholic University they enrolled there they knew the deal now they want to destroy the universities right to show the faith I'm a catholic these people need to find a mosque nearby it's not the Universities responsibility they don't support any other religious groups and can't move the Basilica so what do these Clowns want it's a war against religion.
This is ridiculous it's A Catholic University they enrolled there they knew the deal now they want to destroy the universities right to show the faith I'm a catholic these people need to find a mosque nearby it's not the Universities responsibility they don't support any other religious groups and can't move the Basilica so what do these Clowns want it's a war against religion.
In my opinion man, there are no human rights. There are only privileges. As humans who in the hell are we to determine a "Right"? To cite an example, the ability to breathe is a privilege, not a right. And that can be taken when someone decides you no longer deserve said privilege.
In my opinion man, there are no human rights. There are only privileges. As humans who in the hell are we to determine a "Right"? To cite an example, the ability to breathe is a privilege, not a right. And that can be taken when someone decides you no longer deserve said privilege.
In my opinion man, there are no human rights. There are only privileges. As humans who in the hell are we to determine a "Right"? To cite an example, the ability to breathe is a privilege, not a right. And that can be taken when someone decides you no longer deserve said privilege.
i see your point
This is absurd. Why don't they ask the question "Do crescents at Islamic universities violate 'human rights' of Christians?"
Go to a different university. This is typical behavior of the entitlement generation, "what you do infringes on my rights." The university is a private entity, catholic and those students who do not have the same beliefs as the catholic should not expect special treatment. This is extremely upsetting that a religious sect can come into an institution like this and demand that they accomidate, change and rearrange things to fit them.
Don't like it don't go.
Muslims have a history of demanding against all reason that their version of religion be accommodated by all sorts of entities that have never had a problem in this area before. These Muslims are nothing but bullies. The problem is they often have the ACLU on their side.
At some point we need to stand on our hind legs and tell them this is NOT a Muslim state, or institution or whatever, and they are not going to be accommodated. If they don't like being treated like everyone else, they can go back where they came from.
What happened to equal rights? What is it about a cross that infuriates other religions or lack of religion?
If I go to a muslim university, should I be "against human rights" for their religious displays? Aka NO, this is NOT a human rights issue. Don't like it, don't go there. Period. .
Just when you thought it couldn't get any more stupid. I say let's all go to a muslim church and sue for not having crosses or pictures of the pope. How much more asinine do we have to get to be politicaly correct or is it the other way around, that is in order for you to be politicaly correct you have to be asinine.
it is a catholic university for crying out loud … if you don't like it,, go some place ELSE.
How can it be Constitutional for the government to do anything but leave the situation alone if the first amendment says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." If the Consitution is our guide, then the government has absolutely no say in the matter what so ever.
What did they think? It's a Catholic University! Damn. This has been out of hand. And everyone wonders why this country is going to hell in a handbag…..because to even try to stir the pot on this is beyond stupid. What would you expect to see at a Muslim University? As a Catholic would I have the right to ask them to remove any religious objects.
What did they think? It's a Catholic University! Damn. This has been out of hand. And everyone wonders why this country is going to hell in a handbag…..because to even try to stir the pot on this is beyond stupid. What would you expect to see at a Muslim University? As a Catholic would I have the right to ask them to remove any religious objects.
Well why are they at a Catholic University in the first place? Go to a muslim univeristy where they can learn bombing techniques, how to fly a plane without ever landing it, why having sex with goats is more fun then with "unclean" women and how to stone a women to death with a 90mph stone ball.
Well why are they at a Catholic University in the first place? Go to a muslim univeristy where they can learn bombing techniques, how to fly a plane without ever landing it, why having sex with goats is more fun then with "unclean" women and how to stone a women to death with a 90mph stone ball.
It's a Christian/Catholic school – the school administration needs to re-read the scripture in Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ…" and then take a firm stand on the Rock! I respect everyone's right to believe what they want – that is not the same as respecting their beliefs. No nominally religious school should have to make an accommodation to anyone. Oh, but wait, does the school receive any Federal funding? That's the camel's nose under the tent flap (pun intended).
It's a Christian/Catholic school – the school administration needs to re-read the scripture in Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ…" and then take a firm stand on the Rock! I respect everyone's right to believe what they want – that is not the same as respecting their beliefs. No nominally religious school should have to make an accommodation to anyone. Oh, but wait, does the school receive any Federal funding? That's the camel's nose under the tent flap (pun intended).
please read the story more carefully…the school itself has not received a complaint, and states quite clearly that they aren't about to accomodate such a request.
this is just political hot air meant to grab headlines and it isn't about to go anywhere.
They may not have received it, but they're aware of it. A 60 page complaint??? A 6-month investigation underway??? Who did they murder? This is a put up job by the professor/attorney from GW Univ, who seems to have a bone to pick with CU. And I support their intent to not knuckle under; but you know what they say about good intentions. It's just that there is a tendency in institutions to give in to PC pressure, and I would hate to see that happen. If there is Federal funding in play, there's leverage and I hope they have the courage of their convictions to resist.
This type of news is complete garbage. No one is forcing said student or students to attend the University. Get a life!
This type of news is complete garbage. No one is forcing said student or students to attend the University. Get a life!
Someone pleasae tell me this is a joke Please.
This is an intentional act to bring down Christians…Well played Muslims ,,, well played…
This is an intentional act to bring down Christians…Well played Muslims ,,, well played…
To hell with the muslims! who the hell do they think they are and why the hell are they going to a CATHOLIC university anyway? Send them back to the desert where they belong!
I am offended by the above lawyer taking this idiotic cause on! It is a Catholic Univerity after all. If the muslims are offended to have to pray under a cross then go somewhere else! I am so tired of sturpid people…