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Is Univ. of Michigan-Dearborn Funding Islam?

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Catholic League

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A recent edition of the Detroit News is reporting that "The University of Michigan-Dearborn plans to spend $25,000 for foot-washing stations, making it easier for Muslim students to practice their religion but sparking questions about the separation of church and state."

Catholic League president Bill Donohue is sending the following letter to all Michigan lawmakers today via e-mail:

I was surprised to learn that the University of Michigan-Dearborn plans to spend $25,000 for foot baths so that Muslim students can practice their religion without difficulty. What surprised me was the novelty: the trend in recent years has been for American campuses to neuter Christmas parties, ban the display of nativity scenes and essentially censor the public expression of Christianity. But not at the University of Michigan-Dearborn — they're going the other way. Or are they?

Here's what I'd like to know. Do you regard this as accommodating religion or offering special privileges? If your answer is the former, would you be open to suggestions on how to accommodate the needs of Christian students on campus? I hope so because I have lots of ideas. If your answer is the latter, what are you going to do about it?

I look forward to hearing from you about this important issue.

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    After the College of William and Mary's president Gene Nichol removed the cross (not a crucifix) that had been in the chapel of the oldest classroom building for around 50 years–because it ostensibly made non-Christian students feel "unwelcome" at this state-supported yet extremely historic and traditionalist university– this act by the University of Michigan-Dearborn floors me.  Nichol has been an ACLU member for more than 20 years in 3 states; I wonder if the ACLU will move on the church/state issue for or against the foot-washing stations–which are clearly meant ONLY to serve Muslim students.  BTW, this was a proactive act by the W&M president; he has never offered any evidence of complaint by non-Christian students that the Chapel and its cross was offensive.  It was merely a pre-emptive strike based on his individual interpretation of propriety.  What was the motiviation for the Michigan-Dearborn administration to act–was it on request by an individual or group, or was it a "good idea" a very influential "someone" had, as in W&M's case? 

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    I remember a few months back reading somewhere (here on CE?) that the practice of Muslim students washing their feet before prayers was causing some problems with other students who use the same bathrooms. One option being considered at that time was to have "Muslim only" bathrooms, which is silly.  Another option was apparently installing these designated "foot washing stations" so others aren't "grossed out" by having to use the same sink to wash their hands and face.

    Of course, this wouldn't be a problem if our institutions of higher learning, bastions of tolerance and diversity that they are, were consistent and accommodated Christian religious practice just as freely. Hypocrisy can be painfully embarrassing.

    As Sergeant Stryker (John Wayne) said, "Life is tough. It's tougher when you're stupid."

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