News

The Battle at Columbia Microcosm of Larger Trends in US Academia

April 30, 2005

Source: Washington Report on Middle East Affairs

http://www.wrmea.com/archives/April_2005/0504056.html

On April 30, 2005 the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs reported, "freedom of speech and conscience on American universities and colleges, particularly in relation to Middle East studies, has been taking some hard hits, of late. First, there was the post-9/11 lawsuit over the use of the book, Approaching the Qur’an: The Early Revelations, in a freshman...

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Ritual Use of Mercury in Santeria a Health Concern

April 30, 2005

Source: Bradenton Herald

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/local/11528571.htm

On April 30, 2005 the Bradenton Herald reported, "in Voodoo, Santeria and other faiths with African roots, many practitioners sprinkle the silvery liquid on the floor, carry it with them in pouches, burn it in candles and pour it into bath water. While these practices are intended to bring luck or success in love, federal health officials said they could be making people...

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Religious Discrimination Claim Under Investigation in US Navy

April 30, 2005

Source: The Associated Press

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050430/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/navy_religious_discrimination

On April 30, 2005 The Associated Press reported, "the Navy is investigating a chaplain's allegations he was punished for theological disagreements with superior officers, including his objections to requiring sailors to participate in services at a church that accepts homosexuality.

Lt. Gordon...

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Muslim Converts in US Face Discrimination Post 9/11

April 30, 2005

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/30/nyregion/30converts.html?

On April 30, 2005 The New York Times reported, "in the wake of 9/11, Muslim immigrants from Pakistan, Egypt and other countries have found themselves living in a newly suspicious America. Many of their businesses and mosques have been closely monitored by federal agents, thousands of men have been deported and some have simply been swept away - 'rendered' in the language of...

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Muslims Protest Anti-Terror Laws

April 30, 2005

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4499849.stm

On April 30, 2005 BBC News reported, "Hundreds of Muslims have taken part in marches through London and Blackburn to protest anti-terror legislation. Saturday's protests were organised by more than 50 Islamic organisations including Stop Political Terror and the Islamic Human Rights Commission. Dr Adnan Siddiqui, an organiser of the London march, said: 'This demonstration sends a clear message against the...

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Battle Over Kirpan Rages for Sikh Youth

April 30, 2005

Source: Hindustan Times

Wire Service: PTI

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5967_1343020,00160006.htm

On April 30, 2005 the Press Trust of India reported, "A young Sikh in Denmark, who was once paid by authorities there to give lessons on Sikh culture and history to school students in the country, today finds himself fighting the court battles for refusing to part with his Kirpan, a religious symbol sacrosanct for all baptised...

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ACLU Files Petition with Simpson Over Invocation Case

April 29, 2005

Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch

On April 29, 2005 the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported, "the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia has filed a petition on behalf of Cynthia Simpson, a witch of the Wiccan faith, seeking to reverse a ruling that upheld Chesterfield County's decision to bar her from giving the invocation at Board of Supervisors meetings. In its petition yesterday to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the ACLU said it has asked the full court to reverse a three-judge panel ruling that allowed government officials to discriminate on...

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Organization May Sue US Air Force Over Religious Discrimination

April 29, 2005

Source: The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/04/29/AR2005042901522.html

On April 29, 2005 The Washington Post reported, "a national group that monitors the separation of church and state says it may sue the Air Force Academy, claiming the school allows evangelical Christians to harass cadets who do not share their faith... Lynn's group said it conducted a two-month investigation that included...

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