Civic

In Rhode Island, Nation's Oldest Synagogue Awarded Government Funds

November 13, 2003

Source: The Associated Press

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nat-gen/2003/nov/13/111305619.html

On November 13, 2003 The Associated Press reported that "the nation's oldest synagogue will receive a $375,000 grant under a new government policy allowing religious institutions to qualify for historic preservation funds. Touro Synagogue was dedicated in 1763. Until this year, historically significant structures used for religious purposes...

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Update: Court Rules Chesterfield County Discriminated Against Wiccan

November 13, 2003

Source: The Associated Press

http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--prayerlawsuit1113nov13,0,1828423.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia

On November 13, 2003 The Associated Press reported that "Chesterfield County officials cannot endorse an official religious preference while excluding other religions from opening board meetings with a prayer, a federal judge ruled Thursday. U.S. District...

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President of Union Theological Seminary Calls for a "Working Religious Pluralism"

November 12, 2003

Source: Columbia Daily Spectator

http://www.columbiaspectator.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/11/12/3fb2063bc8630

On November 12, 2003 the Columbia Daily Spectator reported that "Dr. Joseph Haugh, president of the Union Theological Seminary, delivered a speech last night proposing a philosophy of religious pluralism that would have all people working together toward peace and justice. In his address entitled 'The Limitations of Religious Tolerance...

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A Model of Sensitivity, or a Violation of the Constitution? Koran in New York Police Station Stirs Controversy

November 7, 2003

Source: New York Newsday

http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/newyork/politics/nyc-reli1107,0,4012989.story

On November 7, 2003 New York Newsday reported that "a Koran installed in the lobby of police headquarters has raised concerns about a breach in the constitutional wall separating church and state, and underscores the influential role religion plays in the culture of the department... The Koran is displayed atop a brass pedestal...

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Muslim Publication Wins Six Ippie Awards for Journalism

November 7, 2003

Source: New York Newsday

http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/queens/nyc-nynabe053526062nov05,0,59

On November 7, 2003 New York Newsday reported on the second annual Ippie awards, which recognizes distinguished work in the press often overlooked by the mainstream media. "A Queens-based weekly publication, Muslims, won six Ippies this year, including one for an editorial on post-war Iraq and another for a first-person account of Muslim neighbors...

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In a Post-September 11 World, Muslim Candidates Return to the Political Race

November 7, 2003

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/1107/p13s03-uspo.html

On November 7, 2003 The Christian Science Monitor reported that Afeefa Syeed and Kamal Nawash, who each ran in local elections in Virginia Tuesday "have more in common than both having lost their races. As two of only a handful of Muslims running for elected office in the US this year, Ms. Syeed and Mr. Nawash's singular bids underscore the general lack of Muslim participation in...

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Education or Constitutional Violation? Sikh Students Asked to Teach Classmates on Their Religion

November 7, 2003

Source: The Mercury News

http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/7205246.htm

On November 7, 2003 The Mercury News reported that "an influential Sikh organization is calling on Sikh children to ask their teachers today if they can read a short explanation about the birthday of their religion's founder, Guru Nanak... But while Bay Area school officials say they support teaching students the region's multiculturalism, they are also concerned the request...

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Ten Commandments Controversy in Duluth City, MN

November 6, 2003

Source: Duluth News Tribune

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/7195881.htm

On November 6, 2003 Duluth News Tribune reported that "the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union wants the Ten Commandments monument removed from the front lawn of Duluth City Hall. The organization mailed letters in September to its Duluth membership, seeking plaintiffs to help pressure the city to remove the 7-foot stone or perhaps to seek a court order for its...

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Oklahoma Sixth Grader Suspended over Muslim Head Covering

November 5, 2003

Source: Religion News Service

http://pewforum.org/news/display.php?NewsID=2827

On November 5, 2003 the Religion News Service reported that "a Muslim girl who was suspended twice for wearing a religious headscarf to her Oklahoma public school has filed a suit saying her rights to free speech and religious exercise have been violated. The Rutherford Institute, a Virginia-based civil liberties organization, filed suit Oct. 28 on behalf of Nashala Hearn, an 11-year-old...

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