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
Watch this one, Christian rights are being taken away right and left. It will be interesting if this University has to change for them, or if they will change? Why would they even be allowed to attend this University? T
GO TO A DIFFERENT SCHOOL! FRICKIN' IDIOTS.
What the **** is wrong with people? Why is it wrong when christians show thier faith? What did they expect to see hanging in a Catholic University? Why is there even an investigation? If they want to go to a class without crosses go some where else. IT'S A CATHOLIC SCHOOL!There is no damn common sense left in this country.
What the **** is wrong with people? Why is it wrong when christians show thier faith? What did they expect to see hanging in a Catholic University? Why is there even an investigation? If they want to go to a class without crosses go some where else. IT'S A CATHOLIC SCHOOL!There is no damn common sense left in this country.
couldn't have said it better myself
We have freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion. We have to turn the tide. These people have to be stopped.
*gags 'n vomits* Unbelievable!!! Key words, "Private University"!!
Only if it says catholic/ Muslim university. Why is the whole private organizations being protected under the constitution seem to be so hard to understand lately?
The only issue here is if they do not let them form a student union as that COULD violate the First Amendment's right to free association. Otherwise, as whe attorney complaining of everything admits, there is nothing illegal going on. Personally, why a Muslem would go to a place called "Catholic University" is puzzling to begin with, but the fact the Muslim would then complain that jesus is everywhere is just amazingly stupid. Didn't these people visit campus, ask questions or consider any of this BEFORE applying? If I applied and then went to the University of Pig Shit, I would hardly be in a position to later complain about the smell…
The only issue here is if they do not let them form a student union as that COULD violate the First Amendment's right to free association. Otherwise, as whe attorney complaining of everything admits, there is nothing illegal going on. Personally, why a Muslem would go to a place called "Catholic University" is puzzling to begin with, but the fact the Muslim would then complain that jesus is everywhere is just amazingly stupid. Didn't these people visit campus, ask questions or consider any of this BEFORE applying? If I applied and then went to the University of Pig Shit, I would hardly be in a position to later complain about the smell…
The school should allow this once they are able to hang a crusifix on the grounds of an Islamic institution or when hell freezes over, whichever comes first! What part of :Catholic School: is not clear?
why are Muslims going to a catholic school?
Hmmm… last time I checked, this is a private university and unless you don't have a small grasp of the English language or comprehension…. it's called C a t h o l I c University and you are in an institution where the country was founded on Judeo- Christian beliefs. If you visited or inquired before applying or at least attending, you could see first hand or find out what their accommodations were. It seems like they were generous and I know many Catholic and Christian colleges are very generous to foreign students and very tolerant and accepting of other religions. But apparently this is not good enough… the beauty here in the U.S. is you have a choice. Some may say you have the freedom complain, that may be true but it doesn't necessarily mean its right or gracious. I know when I am in another country, while I keep my beliefs in my heart, I respect the rules and culture and I would have no problem praying in a mosque, in a church, in a synagogue, in my room or in the middle of a field. It's a pity that the Office of Human Rights is putting the effort in such nonsense, especially when their is so much real issues that are injuring and significantly oppressing our fellowt brothers and sisters and innocent children.
Hmmm… last time I checked, this is a private university and unless you don't have a small grasp of the English language or comprehension…. it's called C a t h o l I c University and you are in an institution where the country was founded on Judeo- Christian beliefs. If you visited or inquired before applying or at least attending, you could see first hand or find out what their accommodations were. It seems like they were generous and I know many Catholic and Christian colleges are very generous to foreign students and very tolerant and accepting of other religions. But apparently this is not good enough… the beauty here in the U.S. is you have a choice. Some may say you have the freedom complain, that may be true but it doesn't necessarily mean its right or gracious. I know when I am in another country, while I keep my beliefs in my heart, I respect the rules and culture and I would have no problem praying in a mosque, in a church, in a synagogue, in my room or in the middle of a field. It's a pity that the Office of Human Rights is putting the effort in such nonsense, especially when their is so much real issues that are injuring and significantly oppressing our fellowt brothers and sisters and innocent children.
It's no different than the Muslim Brotherhood wanting to make it illegal to speak negatively of Muhammed anywhere in the world. They want us to capitulate and bow to their demands but they refuse to give even an inch. They're out to destroy us and won't stop until they win. Elimination is their only option.
It's no different than the Muslim Brotherhood wanting to make it illegal to speak negatively of Muhammed anywhere in the world. They want us to capitulate and bow to their demands but they refuse to give even an inch. They're out to destroy us and won't stop until they win. Elimination is their only option.
I hope so, I'd o to the cross store by 'em ot and pt them at that university jst to tick 'em off how bot yo punks try to cuff me like you did that brave movie maker of that wonderful muslim documentary! I better be able to have someone arrested who offends me, and I can be OFFENDABLE! Micheal Moore(on) would be doing time! EVERY LAST LIBERAL PUBIC SCREWELL TEACHER, LIBERAL COP, LIBERAL JUDGE, LIBERAL DA WOULD SIT IN A PRISON CELL WITH THEIR ACCOMPLICES RIGHT NEXT TO THEM! I LIKE THE SOUND OF THAT! Love that freedom of speech America!
tell the dumbazz dotheads to go to a dothead church.
are you out of your m f ing mind.
Signs of the times my friend
ARE PRACTICES OF MUSLIM PRINCIPLES OF MURDERING AND MUTILATION OF " INFIDELS " AND CRUEL AND INHUMANE TREATMENT OF FEMALES A VIOLATION OF THEIR HUMAN RIGHTS ????
if only these bunch of intolerant and hateful, racist (and probably homophobes that didn't even vote for obama) bible thumpin' catholics would just go ahead and tear down that oppressive Basilica thing, and replace it with a "proper" grand mosque, that would be a "starting point" from which muslims could begin to accept the apologies needed begin healing from the wounds delivered during the crusades. Just look to the dome of the rock, and various other mosque sights that were also shrines and holy places to those not of the muslim faith… you vanquish your enemy, erect your new mosque ON TOP OF their holy sights that you razed (like a dog trying to pee the highest on a pole in order to "mark his territory")…. islam finds no happiness in what they can not destroy, conquer, or rule over.. by whatever means neccessary… including getting weak people to keep backing up until they step off the cliff.. them the muslim looks over the crest and says, hey, I didn't push him.
No, crosses, pictures of Jesus and the like, and the ten commandments are art.
Its ok to have art at these places and also at our government buildings right? Yeah, its just art!
<bunch of a holes>
WOW
I find the amount of prejudice present on this comment board to be staggering. Grow up people. I will come to your house and smack you.
This post was in no way related to the article. I just wanted to say that the majority of you people are assholes.
Brenda Baldwin
WHAT are Muslims doing in a Catholic school to begin with? This is B.S….they are trying to take over AMERICA and RELIGION from within…I am a Christian and Southern Baptist…and I believe the Catholic church has RIGHTS too…. They should expel these Muslims for not being Catholics and not being in-line with there beliefs…
I agree but the controversy exists because there is a Jewish student association and those students should be expelled as well. I am a born and raised Catholic and my feelings are that if the institution is going to accept them and take their money to the tune of 36k a year before room and board those students should be treated the same as other students. I don't think the school should accept any students from a church not in communion with Rome, but if they choose to decent and equal treatment is required after all they pay a ton of money to be there.
Brenda Baldwin
WHAT are Muslims doing in a Catholic school to begin with? This is B.S….they are trying to take over AMERICA and RELIGION from within…I am a Christian and Southern Baptist…and I believe the Catholic church has RIGHTS too…. They should expel these Muslims for not being Catholics and not being in-line with there beliefs…
Another liberal lawyer hard at work. He will probably sue the school to get his compensation.
Who cares?
Who cares?
They are there only to disrupt Christian values and are succeeding all over AmeriCa!
Muslims violate my rights just by being in America.
Very Simple… If you do not like it get the _ _ _ _ out! Submit your own expletive.
Why are we bending over backwards to appease Muslims? What have they done for Christians besides murder them? This country was founded on Judeo Christian beliefs, not Muslim or Sharia beliefs. Muslims need to adapt or go home.
I FOR ONE AM TIRED AND FED UP WITH MUSLIMS. THE PERPETUAL WHINERS OF DISCONTENT. I DOn't GIVE A CAMELS ARS ABOUT WHAT THE MUSLIMS WANT. STOP SHOOTING 14 YEAR OLD GIRLS IN THE THE HEAD IN THE NAME OF YOUR PROFITT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO BE TREATED HUMANELY. TRY NOT BEHEADING OTHERS IN THE NAME OF ISLAM…THAT OFFENDS ME YOU MORONS.
I FOR ONE AM TIRED AND FED UP WITH MUSLIMS. THE PERPETUAL WHINERS OF DISCONTENT. I DOn't GIVE A CAMELS ARS ABOUT WHAT THE MUSLIMS WANT. STOP SHOOTING 14 YEAR OLD GIRLS IN THE THE HEAD IN THE NAME OF YOUR PROFITT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO BE TREATED HUMANELY. TRY NOT BEHEADING OTHERS IN THE NAME OF ISLAM…THAT OFFENDS ME YOU MORONS.
I'll bet the Saudis would love to have a christian club in one of their universities.
Right? Who give us those rights? According to our declaration of independence those so called RIGHTS come from our creator. If you take God out of this country then we have no rights. It's just whoever has the most votes.
“It may not be illegal, but it suggests they are acting improperly and probably with malice,”.
And this is the basis for legislation? Good luck with that libs.
Why would anyone go to a Christian school where you are taught from the Christian perspective unless you just wanted to shake it up?
Why would a Muslim want to go to a Catholic University, anyway???????
You'd kind of expect to see crosses at a Catholic University, wouldn't you?
I think Islam in America is a violation of everything decent that is American, such as our Christian heritage. If Muslims don't like our crosses, they can leave. In fact, that would be a welcome sight.
I think Islam in America is a violation of everything decent that is American, such as our Christian heritage. If Muslims don't like our crosses, they can leave. In fact, that would be a welcome sight.
>>“He’s using the law for his own discrimination against the Catholic institution and essentially saying Catholic University cannot operate according to Catholic principles.”<<.
Mean spirited is how I see this lawsuit. Next they will demand halal meats and clitorectomies and burkas for the women so more muslims aren't "offended".
Hmmm. Let's see…Muslims find it offensive to pray in a place "…surrounded by various Catholic symbols" and desire "…a place that is more conductive to their religious beliefs than being surrounded by pictures of Popes." Sounds to me like that is somewhere OTHER than the campus of a CATHOLIC university. Call me crazy, but wouldn't it be equally offensive for a Muslim to ATTEND a CATHOLIC university, which is itself a symbol of CATHOLICISM? It is unadulterated lunacy for the Mulsim students to make the claim that the unversity is being malicious when they are the ones trying to change the intrinsic Catholic nature of the school. Let's hope that the Catholics are equally offended by someone coming into there CATHOLIC school and saying that they are SO offended by CATHOLIC religious symbols that they cannot possibly pray to Allah unless all symbols of Catholicism are removed from sight. Kind of tells you what the Muslims think of Catholism doesn't it?
how about when muslims become and act like humans they are allowed human rights until then screw em.
how about when muslims become and act like humans they are allowed human rights until then screw em.
Phuck a bunch of Muslims. They can always go to the Pig farm down the road and kneel with the other pigs.
Phuck a bunch of Muslims. They can always go to the Pig farm down the road and kneel with the other pigs.
What part of "Government shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF" is so hard to understand. I am not a Catholic, but they are free to exercise their religion, especially on their property. If a Muslim (or anyone else) does not want to see the crosses, don't go to a Catholic college.
oh no crosses at a catholic school holy improbablity batman how can this be.
Depends on if this University is receiving public funds–otherwise the Muslims get what they pay for for going to a Catholic school. Seriously people! Private Universities are well private–that is they get to dictate what they do without input from the public (i.e. government).
First of all, one must realize who brought the complaint(John Banzhaf). He has been doing this sort of thing for years. If you Google him, you will find that he literally thinks of things to sue people over. He is a very intelligent man who knows how to manipulate people and the law; not necessarily needing anyone to complain about something before he decides to complain or sue over an issue. I am not Catholic, and I readily admit that I have serious issues with the Catholic faith. However, if the Catholic Church is running their own institutions, then those who attend them should do so with the understanding that they are submitting to the cannons of the Catholic Church. I defy anyone to tell me that a Muslim nation or school would even dream of allowing someone to get them to do anything to accommodate another religion. Muslims are quick to complain about being discriminated against, but they think nothing of discriminating against all other religions, even to the point of murdering people just because they will not convert to Islam. I have read the Q'uran(Koran), and I find it to be a beautifully written book of poetry. I have known true Muslims; those that practice tolerance and charity to all. True Muslims respect Jews and Christians as "People of the Book". any Muslim that does not preach and practice these things is not a true Muslim, or so I have been told by 4 different Mullahs. Mr. Banzhaf is just a professional troublemaker. He isn't even worth my time in responding to his latest idiocy. I can't believe I did.
Note that none of the Muslim students appear to have complained. I'm going to surmise that this attorney, John Banzhaf has motives of his own for putting this forward. Notoriety? money?
fucking dumbasses. go to state schools and quit being such pathetic bitchy faggots. roll tide
Who cares if THEY are offended….American is OUR country jack(Or maybe I should say muhammad)! America was founded on christianity and if you don't like our way of life and our beliefs then pack up and hit the road! Go back to you muslim/3rd world county! They have the audacity to come to OUR country and complain, seems to me if they wouldve done that in their OWN country then things would be different and they wouldn't have to come over here and bitch about OUR way of life!
Don't really want to argue with you, but America was not founded on Christianity, actually the opposite, the forefathers did there best to keep religion out of the foundation of government, and the original migration, as far as religion goes was for freedom of religion, it was meant to allow everyone to believe in whatever they wanted.
Until the Muslim religion can be defined, which it hasn't been to this point, then it should it's influence or opinions should be ignored. There amount of violence and lack of social tolerance is alarming. It was created as a militant religion forced on others by violence and it continues to have much the same attitude when it comes to it's attitudes of coexistance with a peaceful society.
The sad truth is…..because the interpretation of laws is now so blurred and liberal, religious freedom is slowly being eroded, and don't be surprised if the school is told to compromise.
Why would a practicing muslim attend a private Catholic university and expect special treatment? If one does not agree with Catholic doctrine , go elsewhere. I am not a Catholic, and would think twice about attending this university based on differences in our Christian beliefs. But I would not expect special treatment if I did choose to attend.
Very well said
The Founding Fathers would have prosecuted the Muslims for blasphemy and put them in jail. 'Religion" meant those worshiping the God of the Bible. I suppose if the Office of Supposed Human Rights had been around, the Founding Fathers wouldn't have been allowed to write the Constitution or serve in Congress.
It's a CATHOLIC school! Tell them to crawl their asses back to the sand trap that they came from!
Hahahaha that's from Fox News. You're to gullible dude.
Then don't go to a Catholic University! RIDICULOUS!
I don't remember the Constitution ever listing a "right not to be offended." I could kinda see this fly at a secular school (although they'd hardly make such a fuss about it THERE), but honestly, if you go to a CATHOLIC university, don't expect them to provide MUSLIM facilities or rooms. DUH. It's absurd.