Universities Install Footbaths to Benefit Muslims, and Not Everyone Is Pleased

August 7, 2007

Author: TAMAR LEWIN

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/07/education/07muslim.html?_r=1&ref=education&oref=login

DEARBORN, Mich. — When pools of water began accumulating on the floor in some restrooms at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and the sinks pulling away from the walls, the problem was easy to pinpoint. On this campus, more than 10 percent of the students are Muslims, and as part of ritual ablutions required before their five-times-a-day prayers, some were washing their feet in the sinks.

The solution seemed straightforward. After discussions with the Muslim Students’ Association, the university announced that it would install $25,000 foot-washing stations in several restrooms.