Teacher fights on in flap over anti-Islam speaker
Yonat Shimron, Staff WriterThe former Enloe High School history teacher who invited a Christian evangelist to speak to his students is not taking his reprimand quietly.
Social studies teacher Robert Escamilla said the Wake County school system squelched free speech and academic freedom -- and he is finding a growing group of supporters.
In the days since he was reassigned to Mary E. Phillips High School, 100 of his former students have signed a petition to have him reinstated at Enloe. The chairwoman of the social studies department at Enloe wrote a forceful letter to the school board calling him a "sacrificial lamb." A Web site (http://www.freeesco.com/ is being built and bank account has been set up to help with his legal bills.
Escamilla maintains he did nothing wrong when he invited Kamil Solomon, an Egyptian-born Christian who lives in Raleigh, to speak to 300 or so Enloe students about his persecution at the hands of the Egyptian government. On the contrary, Escamilla said, he thought the visit by the evangelist was an educational exercise that exposed his students to different opinions and challenged them to form their own views.
The question is this, he said: "Are we going to be open to a variety of different perspectives versus are we going to limit and censor and shut down the educational experience and environment to keep out people with certain views?"
Escamilla, who readily avows his own Christian faith, acknowledges that Solomon was not neutral toward Muslims. But he insists that his guest did not denigrate Islam or attempt to convert students to Christianity during the visit.
...
Previous stories concerning this subject can be found here & here...
Pertinent Links:
1) Teacher fights on in flap over anti-Islam speaker
Showing posts with label north carolina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label north carolina. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - NORTH CAROLINA: WHEN IN COURT, YOU CAN SWEAR ON THE QUR'AN & A PILE OF DUNG IF THAT IS WHAT YOU CONSIDER YOUR 'HOLY TEXT'
North Carolina Judge: Court Witnesses Can Take Oath With Koran
RALEIGH, N.C. — A Wake County judge ruled Thursday that any religious text can be used to swear in a witness or juror in the state's courtrooms, not just the Bible.
The American Civil Liberties Union argued a law that some judges said required the state's courts to use the Bible alone is unconstitutional because it favors Christianity over other religions.
The ACLU sought a court order clarifying that the law is broad enough to allow the use of multiple religious texts, or else declare the statute unconstitutional.
Wake County Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway ruled that a witness or juror can take a court oath using a text "most sacred and obligatory upon their conscience," citing common law and precedent of the state Supreme Court.
The judge didn't declare the law unconstitutional or rule on whether the term "Holy Scriptures" could be reasonably interpreted to mean any sacred text other than the Bible. But the ACLU still considered the ruling favorable.
"As of today all people can use the holy text of their choice," said Seth Cohen, an ACLU attorney who argued the case. "We think it's a great victory."
State law allows witnesses preparing to testify in court to take their oath in three ways: by laying a hand over "the Holy Scriptures," by saying "so help me God" without the use of a religious book, or by an affirmation using no religious symbols.
A trial court judge initially dismissed the ACLU's lawsuit in December 2005, ruling it was moot because there was no actual controversy at that time warranting litigation.
In January, the ruling was reversed by an unanimous three-judge panel of the state Court of Appeals, after the ACLU had added Syidah Mateen as a plaintiff. In its decision, the appeals court cited Mateen's claim that her request to place her hand on the Koran as a witness in a domestic violence case in Guilford County was denied in 2003.
Before the ACLU filed its lawsuit, the group and the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations had asked the state's court system to allow use of the Koran and other religious texts in courtrooms. The director of the state court system refused, saying the General Assembly or the courts needed to settle the issue.
During a court hearing earlier this month, the state Attorney General's Office asked Ridgeway to dismiss the case because the complaint was political.
But the ACLU argued that an 1856 state Supreme Court decision set a clear precedent for oaths with religious texts and noted a change to the law made in 1985.
Before that time, the law was called "Administration of oath upon the Gospels" and stated that someone to be sworn was to lay a hand on "the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God." Legislators took out "the Gospels" in the title and changed the language to simply read "Holy Scriptures" in 1985.
...
Pertinent Links:
1) North Carolina Judge: Court Witnesses Can Take Oath With Koran
RALEIGH, N.C. — A Wake County judge ruled Thursday that any religious text can be used to swear in a witness or juror in the state's courtrooms, not just the Bible.
The American Civil Liberties Union argued a law that some judges said required the state's courts to use the Bible alone is unconstitutional because it favors Christianity over other religions.
The ACLU sought a court order clarifying that the law is broad enough to allow the use of multiple religious texts, or else declare the statute unconstitutional.
Wake County Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway ruled that a witness or juror can take a court oath using a text "most sacred and obligatory upon their conscience," citing common law and precedent of the state Supreme Court.
The judge didn't declare the law unconstitutional or rule on whether the term "Holy Scriptures" could be reasonably interpreted to mean any sacred text other than the Bible. But the ACLU still considered the ruling favorable.
"As of today all people can use the holy text of their choice," said Seth Cohen, an ACLU attorney who argued the case. "We think it's a great victory."
State law allows witnesses preparing to testify in court to take their oath in three ways: by laying a hand over "the Holy Scriptures," by saying "so help me God" without the use of a religious book, or by an affirmation using no religious symbols.
A trial court judge initially dismissed the ACLU's lawsuit in December 2005, ruling it was moot because there was no actual controversy at that time warranting litigation.
In January, the ruling was reversed by an unanimous three-judge panel of the state Court of Appeals, after the ACLU had added Syidah Mateen as a plaintiff. In its decision, the appeals court cited Mateen's claim that her request to place her hand on the Koran as a witness in a domestic violence case in Guilford County was denied in 2003.
Before the ACLU filed its lawsuit, the group and the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations had asked the state's court system to allow use of the Koran and other religious texts in courtrooms. The director of the state court system refused, saying the General Assembly or the courts needed to settle the issue.
During a court hearing earlier this month, the state Attorney General's Office asked Ridgeway to dismiss the case because the complaint was political.
But the ACLU argued that an 1856 state Supreme Court decision set a clear precedent for oaths with religious texts and noted a change to the law made in 1985.
Before that time, the law was called "Administration of oath upon the Gospels" and stated that someone to be sworn was to lay a hand on "the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God." Legislators took out "the Gospels" in the title and changed the language to simply read "Holy Scriptures" in 1985.
...
Pertinent Links:
1) North Carolina Judge: Court Witnesses Can Take Oath With Koran
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - NORTH CAROLINA: THE FOOLS & TOOLS OF THE ACLU PAVE THE WAY FOR THE ISLAMIZATION OF AMERICA
Quran oath case in court today
RALEIGHA court hearing today could determine if the Bible will remain the exclusive text used in North Carolina for swearing-in court witnesses or whether other religious texts will be allowed.
Arguments were scheduled in Wake County Superior Court in a lawsuit challenging a state policy that allows only the Bible to be used in such court procedures. The suit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina and names Syidah Mateen, a Muslim woman who said she was denied the use of the Quran in court.
"This is an important issue that affects thousands of people of faith across North Carolina who are not of the Christian faith," Seth Cohen, the ACLU's lead counsel in the case, said in a written statement.
The lawsuit argues that state law is unconstitutional because it favors Christianity over other religions. It seeks a court order clarifying that the law is broad enough to allow the use of multiple religious texts, or else rule the statute unconstitutional.
Today's hearing is on the ACLU's motion for summary judgment.
...
That's right, just pave the way for the islamization of America...
Fools & tools...
Pertinent Links:
1) Quran oath case in court today
RALEIGHA court hearing today could determine if the Bible will remain the exclusive text used in North Carolina for swearing-in court witnesses or whether other religious texts will be allowed.
Arguments were scheduled in Wake County Superior Court in a lawsuit challenging a state policy that allows only the Bible to be used in such court procedures. The suit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina and names Syidah Mateen, a Muslim woman who said she was denied the use of the Quran in court.
"This is an important issue that affects thousands of people of faith across North Carolina who are not of the Christian faith," Seth Cohen, the ACLU's lead counsel in the case, said in a written statement.
The lawsuit argues that state law is unconstitutional because it favors Christianity over other religions. It seeks a court order clarifying that the law is broad enough to allow the use of multiple religious texts, or else rule the statute unconstitutional.
Today's hearing is on the ACLU's motion for summary judgment.
...
That's right, just pave the way for the islamization of America...
Fools & tools...
Pertinent Links:
1) Quran oath case in court today
Saturday, March 24, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - NORTH CAROLINA: SMALL POX THREAT AT AIRPORT?!?
Good Morning Visitors,
This morning as I tuned into FOXNEWS, I saw a report from North Caroline that mentioned a SMALL POX THREAT...
I cannot find anything online, perhaps it is not yet updated...
A.I.
This morning as I tuned into FOXNEWS, I saw a report from North Caroline that mentioned a SMALL POX THREAT...
I cannot find anything online, perhaps it is not yet updated...
A.I.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - NORTH CAROLINA: ANOTHER RADIO HOST SPEAKS THE TRUTH, ANOTHER BOYCOTT BY MOSLEMS
Muslims urge boycott of radio host
By Tim Funk · The (Charlotte) Observer
CHARLOTTE -- Some local Muslims are urging people to boycott advertisers of WBT's "Jeff Katz Show," saying the conservative radio talker insults their religion with "hate-filled" comments on the air.
At a Wednesday news conference, Jibril Hough of the Charlotte-based Islamic Political Party of America charged that Katz speaks mockingly about Muslims and showcases only critics of Islam on his 3 to 6 p.m. show at 1110 AM.
"His agenda has been one of inciting fear, hatred and ignorance against Muslims," said Hough, who is also spokesman for the Islamic Center of Charlotte. "His type of rhetoric would not be allowed against any other minority community."
Asked for specifics, Hough said Katz sarcastically refers to Islam as "the religion of peace"; distorts passages in the Quran, the Muslims' sacred book; calls Muslims who disagree with him "apologists for terrorists"; and refuses to let Hough and other Muslims speak on his show.
Katz, who is among the leading ratings' performers in afternoon drive, rejected the group's characterization of his comments as bigoted. The Philadelphia native said he has merely expressed his frustration that too few Muslims have spoken out against terrorism.
"I've been looking for the reasonable, moderate, sensible voice of Islam that says, 'Stop killing in our name,"' said Katz, who came to Charlotte in August from San Francisco radio. "There are one billion Muslims in the world. I don't for a second think there are one billion terrorists ... But (radical Islamic) groups have cowled people -- including practicing Muslims -- into not speaking out."
Katz added that he's become more hopeful this week, after a so-called "Secular Islam Summit" in St. Petersburg, Fla., was held to "stand (up) against radical Islam," according to promotional literature for the summit.
"It reminded me of the Founding Fathers," said Katz, who discussed the summit on his Wednesday show with guest Robert Spencer -- the source of another complaint from local Muslims. Spencer is creator of ww.jihadwatch.org and author of several books that have been criticized by Muslims, including "The Truth About Muhammad: Founder of the World's Most Intolerant Religion."
Katz's positive take on the "secular Islam summit" was not shared by some: A Georgetown University professor who teaches about Islam and Christianity told The St. Petersburg Times that the summit was a collection of extremists.
"Legitimate scholars are horrified by the lineup," said Yvonne Hadad. "Basically, it's everyone known for damning Islam."
Hough said he and other moderate Muslims have spoken out against radical Islamic terrorists since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Pertinent Links:
1) Muslims urge boycott of radio host
By Tim Funk · The (Charlotte) Observer
CHARLOTTE -- Some local Muslims are urging people to boycott advertisers of WBT's "Jeff Katz Show," saying the conservative radio talker insults their religion with "hate-filled" comments on the air.
At a Wednesday news conference, Jibril Hough of the Charlotte-based Islamic Political Party of America charged that Katz speaks mockingly about Muslims and showcases only critics of Islam on his 3 to 6 p.m. show at 1110 AM.
"His agenda has been one of inciting fear, hatred and ignorance against Muslims," said Hough, who is also spokesman for the Islamic Center of Charlotte. "His type of rhetoric would not be allowed against any other minority community."
Asked for specifics, Hough said Katz sarcastically refers to Islam as "the religion of peace"; distorts passages in the Quran, the Muslims' sacred book; calls Muslims who disagree with him "apologists for terrorists"; and refuses to let Hough and other Muslims speak on his show.
Katz, who is among the leading ratings' performers in afternoon drive, rejected the group's characterization of his comments as bigoted. The Philadelphia native said he has merely expressed his frustration that too few Muslims have spoken out against terrorism.
"I've been looking for the reasonable, moderate, sensible voice of Islam that says, 'Stop killing in our name,"' said Katz, who came to Charlotte in August from San Francisco radio. "There are one billion Muslims in the world. I don't for a second think there are one billion terrorists ... But (radical Islamic) groups have cowled people -- including practicing Muslims -- into not speaking out."
Katz added that he's become more hopeful this week, after a so-called "Secular Islam Summit" in St. Petersburg, Fla., was held to "stand (up) against radical Islam," according to promotional literature for the summit.
"It reminded me of the Founding Fathers," said Katz, who discussed the summit on his Wednesday show with guest Robert Spencer -- the source of another complaint from local Muslims. Spencer is creator of ww.jihadwatch.org and author of several books that have been criticized by Muslims, including "The Truth About Muhammad: Founder of the World's Most Intolerant Religion."
Katz's positive take on the "secular Islam summit" was not shared by some: A Georgetown University professor who teaches about Islam and Christianity told The St. Petersburg Times that the summit was a collection of extremists.
"Legitimate scholars are horrified by the lineup," said Yvonne Hadad. "Basically, it's everyone known for damning Islam."
Hough said he and other moderate Muslims have spoken out against radical Islamic terrorists since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Pertinent Links:
1) Muslims urge boycott of radio host
Monday, March 05, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - NORTH CAROLINA: "EVERYBODY, I HATE ALL AMERICANS AND ALL JEWS"
Following courtroom outburst, Iranian accused of running down students sent for mental evaluation
HILLSBOROUGH, North Carolina: An Iranian man charged with running down people on a university campus, allegedly to avenge Muslims, was sent to a state mental hospital Monday after an outburst in court in which he said he hated all Americans and Jews.
During a hearing on letters he wrote to a judge, Mohammed Taheri-Azar said, "Everybody, I hate all Americans and all Jews," The News & Observer of Raleigh reported.
The Iranian native who grew up near Charlotte had pleaded not guilty in January to nine counts of attempted first degree murder and another nine counts of felony assault stemming from the March 2005 incident in which authorities said he drove a white Jeep into a crowd on a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill plaza.
"Death to Israel," he added.
No one was seriously injured in the incident. In a call to emergency dispatchers, Taheri-azar said he wanted to punish the U.S. government and later told investigators he wanted to "avenge the deaths of Muslims around the world."
He has been held in prison in lieu of $5.5 million (€4.2 million) bail.
In another outburst Monday, he also turned to his lawyer, James Williams, and asked: "Who is this foll? Who is this moron? I don't know who this moron is."
The letters Taheri-Azar has written to the court have been sealed by Superior Court Judge Carl Fox.
Pertinent Links:
1) Following courtroom outburst, Iranian accused of running down students sent for mental evaluation
HILLSBOROUGH, North Carolina: An Iranian man charged with running down people on a university campus, allegedly to avenge Muslims, was sent to a state mental hospital Monday after an outburst in court in which he said he hated all Americans and Jews.
During a hearing on letters he wrote to a judge, Mohammed Taheri-Azar said, "Everybody, I hate all Americans and all Jews," The News & Observer of Raleigh reported.
The Iranian native who grew up near Charlotte had pleaded not guilty in January to nine counts of attempted first degree murder and another nine counts of felony assault stemming from the March 2005 incident in which authorities said he drove a white Jeep into a crowd on a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill plaza.
"Death to Israel," he added.
No one was seriously injured in the incident. In a call to emergency dispatchers, Taheri-azar said he wanted to punish the U.S. government and later told investigators he wanted to "avenge the deaths of Muslims around the world."
He has been held in prison in lieu of $5.5 million (€4.2 million) bail.
In another outburst Monday, he also turned to his lawyer, James Williams, and asked: "Who is this foll? Who is this moron? I don't know who this moron is."
The letters Taheri-Azar has written to the court have been sealed by Superior Court Judge Carl Fox.
Pertinent Links:
1) Following courtroom outburst, Iranian accused of running down students sent for mental evaluation
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - NORTH CAROLINA: PAMPHLETS, JIHAD, ISLAM AND EVANGELISM
Last week a story or two was posted concerning anti-islam/jihad pamphlets that were passed out in a North Carolina school, you may refresh your memory or learn of the event here: (link)
Another article has been penned concering newer information concerning the teacher, guest and another teacher:
E-mail thanks enemy of Islam
Teacher seems to bless evangelism
Yonat Shimron, Staff Writer
An Enloe High School social studies teacher appears to want to invite back to his class a Christian evangelist who recently denounced Islam at the school.
The evangelist, Kamil Solomon, opened students' minds to "see more light," said an e-mail message apparently from teacher Robert Escamilla that Solomon posted on his Web site this weekend.
Escamilla invited Solomon to several of his social studies classes Feb. 16, and Solomon asked students to embrace Christianity and distributed pamphlets denouncing Islam. Parents who saw the pamphlets were outraged, and constitutional lawyers said the visit violated the First Amendment, which courts have ruled prohibits promoting religion in public schools.
The message posted on Solomon's Web site Friday for less than 24 hours said, "Thank you so much for coming and speaking so effectively to our students, helping them to open their minds and see more light. I think we should be able to get you back again."
The seven-sentence posting ends, "May God continue to richly bless you and to powerfully use you to give Him much glory." It is signed "your brother and friend in Christ, Robert."
Also on the Web site was a message that apparently came from Enloe teacher Marian Johnson, whom Escamilla identified as his department's chairwoman. It began, "Hello all" and defended Solomon's visit: "It is our responsibility as educators to give our students the tools by which to evaluate, question and research issues they may encounter."
Contacted Monday, Escamilla would not confirm that he had written the posting. He only said he was asked not to speak about the incident with reporters. Johnson could not be reached for comment.
Although the postings were removed Saturday, they shed light on the school's handling of the incident. They also echo Principal Beth Cochran's note last week that "at Enloe we pride ourselves on encouraging the free exchange of ideas."
Solomon's visit has come under criticism by several Muslim organizations locally and nationally. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina is also looking into the incident.
A Wake Schools spokesman said the visit by Solomon, an Egyptian-born evangelist who lives in Raleigh, was under investigation. "Right now we're conducting a review of what happened," Michael Evans said. "Any appropriate action will be taken when the review is finished."
Evans said the Wake school system does not have a formal policy on guest speakers and principals set guidelines. At Enloe, teachers must show their department heads any questionable materials handed out by visitors.
It's unknown whether Escamilla sought permission to bring in Solomon.
...
Pertinent Links:
1) E-mail thanks enemy of Islam
Another article has been penned concering newer information concerning the teacher, guest and another teacher:
E-mail thanks enemy of Islam
Teacher seems to bless evangelism
Yonat Shimron, Staff Writer
An Enloe High School social studies teacher appears to want to invite back to his class a Christian evangelist who recently denounced Islam at the school.
The evangelist, Kamil Solomon, opened students' minds to "see more light," said an e-mail message apparently from teacher Robert Escamilla that Solomon posted on his Web site this weekend.
Escamilla invited Solomon to several of his social studies classes Feb. 16, and Solomon asked students to embrace Christianity and distributed pamphlets denouncing Islam. Parents who saw the pamphlets were outraged, and constitutional lawyers said the visit violated the First Amendment, which courts have ruled prohibits promoting religion in public schools.
The message posted on Solomon's Web site Friday for less than 24 hours said, "Thank you so much for coming and speaking so effectively to our students, helping them to open their minds and see more light. I think we should be able to get you back again."
The seven-sentence posting ends, "May God continue to richly bless you and to powerfully use you to give Him much glory." It is signed "your brother and friend in Christ, Robert."
Also on the Web site was a message that apparently came from Enloe teacher Marian Johnson, whom Escamilla identified as his department's chairwoman. It began, "Hello all" and defended Solomon's visit: "It is our responsibility as educators to give our students the tools by which to evaluate, question and research issues they may encounter."
Contacted Monday, Escamilla would not confirm that he had written the posting. He only said he was asked not to speak about the incident with reporters. Johnson could not be reached for comment.
Although the postings were removed Saturday, they shed light on the school's handling of the incident. They also echo Principal Beth Cochran's note last week that "at Enloe we pride ourselves on encouraging the free exchange of ideas."
Solomon's visit has come under criticism by several Muslim organizations locally and nationally. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina is also looking into the incident.
A Wake Schools spokesman said the visit by Solomon, an Egyptian-born evangelist who lives in Raleigh, was under investigation. "Right now we're conducting a review of what happened," Michael Evans said. "Any appropriate action will be taken when the review is finished."
Evans said the Wake school system does not have a formal policy on guest speakers and principals set guidelines. At Enloe, teachers must show their department heads any questionable materials handed out by visitors.
It's unknown whether Escamilla sought permission to bring in Solomon.
...
Pertinent Links:
1) E-mail thanks enemy of Islam
Thursday, February 22, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - N.C.: ANTI-ISLAM PAMPHLETS DISTRIBUTED IN CLASS, TEACHER UNDER INVESTIGATION, CAIR UP IN ARMS
US teacher allowed anti-Islam handouts, activists say
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
A high school teacher allowed a group whose declared mission is to "raise an awareness of the danger of Islam" to distribute literature in his class, including a handout titled "Do Not Marry a Muslim Man," according to an advocacy group.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations says a representative from the Kamil International Ministries Organization, based in Raleigh, spoke to a ninth-grade world history class at Enloe High School and distributed the literature, which also discussed Jesus.
The father of a Muslim student reported the incident, said CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper. The council wrote to Wake County schools Superintendent Del Burns asking that the incident be investigated and that the teacher be disciplined.
Burns had not received the letter, but an investigation is under way and officials will take appropriate disciplinary action, district spokeswoman Kristin Flenniken said.
The teacher has not been named. A call by The Associated Press to the high school's principal, Beth Cochran, was not immediately returned Wednesday.
...
and
Students told to shun Muslims
Yonat Shimron and Kinea White Epps, Staff Writers
RALEIGH - A national Muslim advocacy group has rebuked the Wake County Public School system for allowing a Christian evangelist to speak at Enloe High School and distribute pamphlets denouncing Islam.
The Council on American Islamic Relations said the school system will have created a "discriminatory, hostile learning environment," violating federal civil rights law, if it does not investigate the incident and apologize to students.
The complaint stems from a guest appearance last week in several classes by Kamil Solomon, a Raleigh-based Christian evangelist, who urged students to shun Muslims.
"When you bring in somebody to distribute hate-filled literature without an opportunity for rebuttal, you have a disturbing situation," said Ibrahim Hooper, communications director for the national council, known as CAIR. "These students are obliged to be in the classroom and listen to this speaker who is presented as an authority figure by the teacher."
'Don't marry a Muslim'
Solomon's appearance Friday in teacher Robert Escamilla's social studies classes at Enloe, a magnet school for gifted and talented students, shocked many who took the pamphlets home and showed them to their parents, students said. One pamphlet, comparing Jesus with Muhammad, says the Muslim prophet "enslaved people, abused women and taught Muslims to terrorize non-Muslims and force them into Islam."
"He basically told us Muslims were bad and we should convert to Christianity," said Alyssa Kaszycki, 14, of Cary, who heard Solomon during a freshman seminar class. "He told all the girls we should never marry a Muslim man because they would take away our freedom and beat us."
She said Solomon was their only guest speaker this semester.
Solomon, an Egyptian-born Christian who runs Kamil International Ministries Organization based in Raleigh, did not return phone messages or e-mail messages. Escamilla declined to speak about the incident.
Michael Evans, Wake County schools spokesman, said the district was looking into the matter.
"We're going to take the accusations seriously," Evans said. "It is part of our ongoing investigation. We need to ascertain what happened and what comments were made."
School principal Beth Cochran offered a written response to an inquiry by the Raleigh-based Muslim American Public Affairs Council.
"I assure you that teachers make sure that students know that his presentation was one person's perspective and not representative of all Muslims," Cochran said. She also said that the school champions "the free exchange of ideas."
Parallel drawn to KKK
A spokesman for the Muslim American council said he was seeking assurances from the Wake County schools that the incident would not be repeated and the people responsible for it would be held accountable.
"There should be some kind of system where proselytizing is not allowed," said Marc Conaghan, spokesman for the Raleigh-based Muslim group.
Parents, too, said the school's response wasn't adequate. Tariq Butt of Raleigh, whose daughter, Saira, is a freshman, said the principal's suggestion that Solomon's presentation was just "one person's perspective," was disingenuous.
"It wasn't opinion. It was an outright attack and fabrication," said Butt, who is a Muslim. "Can we allow the KKK to distribute hate-filled literature in school?"
Butt, who sent Escamilla e-mail, said he wasn't satisfied with his response. In an e-mail message to Butt, Escamilla said he did not know Solomon before inviting him to class and wasn't aware of Solomon's Web site, http://www.kimo4jesus.org/ which announces that, "Our mission is to raise an awareness of the danger of Islam among Christians and equip them to share Jesus with Muslims."
Escamilla said school principal Cochran asked him to defer all questions to her. Cochran could not be reached. Calls to Wake Superintendent Del Burns were not returned Wednesday.
Lisa Kaszycki, Alyssa's mother, said she contacted the school and got a short reply saying they were "dealing with the situation."
"I'll be interested to see what the outcome was," Kaszycki said.
and
ADVICE FOR GIRLS: 'DON'T BE FOOLED'
One of the pamphlets distributed to students at Enloe High School by Kamil Solomon is called "Do Not Marry a Muslim Man, Part I."
It quotes passages from the Quran appearing to condone violence against women, juxtaposing them against passages from the Bible. It then states:
"Because the United States is a country which welcomes people of all nationalities, cultures, and religions, you may at some time meet and develop a relationship with a Muslim man. He may be especially attractive because of his dark good looks, education, financial means, and the interest he shows in you. You may be excited that you found the 'tall, dark, and handsome man' you have been looking for. His sweet words and attention may blind you regarding the power, importance, and influence of his culture and Islamic faith. Because in the United States, we have freedom of religion, he may agree that you can remain a Christian and you may think there will be no problem with such a marriage. But do not be fooled and become a victim of his religion, Islam, which has very oppressive rules regarding women's status and rights. Such marriages will never be out of trouble."
Pertinent Links:
1) US teacher allowed anti-Islam handouts, activists say
2) Students told to shun Muslims
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
A high school teacher allowed a group whose declared mission is to "raise an awareness of the danger of Islam" to distribute literature in his class, including a handout titled "Do Not Marry a Muslim Man," according to an advocacy group.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations says a representative from the Kamil International Ministries Organization, based in Raleigh, spoke to a ninth-grade world history class at Enloe High School and distributed the literature, which also discussed Jesus.
The father of a Muslim student reported the incident, said CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper. The council wrote to Wake County schools Superintendent Del Burns asking that the incident be investigated and that the teacher be disciplined.
Burns had not received the letter, but an investigation is under way and officials will take appropriate disciplinary action, district spokeswoman Kristin Flenniken said.
The teacher has not been named. A call by The Associated Press to the high school's principal, Beth Cochran, was not immediately returned Wednesday.
...
and
Students told to shun Muslims
Yonat Shimron and Kinea White Epps, Staff Writers
RALEIGH - A national Muslim advocacy group has rebuked the Wake County Public School system for allowing a Christian evangelist to speak at Enloe High School and distribute pamphlets denouncing Islam.
The Council on American Islamic Relations said the school system will have created a "discriminatory, hostile learning environment," violating federal civil rights law, if it does not investigate the incident and apologize to students.
The complaint stems from a guest appearance last week in several classes by Kamil Solomon, a Raleigh-based Christian evangelist, who urged students to shun Muslims.
"When you bring in somebody to distribute hate-filled literature without an opportunity for rebuttal, you have a disturbing situation," said Ibrahim Hooper, communications director for the national council, known as CAIR. "These students are obliged to be in the classroom and listen to this speaker who is presented as an authority figure by the teacher."
'Don't marry a Muslim'
Solomon's appearance Friday in teacher Robert Escamilla's social studies classes at Enloe, a magnet school for gifted and talented students, shocked many who took the pamphlets home and showed them to their parents, students said. One pamphlet, comparing Jesus with Muhammad, says the Muslim prophet "enslaved people, abused women and taught Muslims to terrorize non-Muslims and force them into Islam."
"He basically told us Muslims were bad and we should convert to Christianity," said Alyssa Kaszycki, 14, of Cary, who heard Solomon during a freshman seminar class. "He told all the girls we should never marry a Muslim man because they would take away our freedom and beat us."
She said Solomon was their only guest speaker this semester.
Solomon, an Egyptian-born Christian who runs Kamil International Ministries Organization based in Raleigh, did not return phone messages or e-mail messages. Escamilla declined to speak about the incident.
Michael Evans, Wake County schools spokesman, said the district was looking into the matter.
"We're going to take the accusations seriously," Evans said. "It is part of our ongoing investigation. We need to ascertain what happened and what comments were made."
School principal Beth Cochran offered a written response to an inquiry by the Raleigh-based Muslim American Public Affairs Council.
"I assure you that teachers make sure that students know that his presentation was one person's perspective and not representative of all Muslims," Cochran said. She also said that the school champions "the free exchange of ideas."
Parallel drawn to KKK
A spokesman for the Muslim American council said he was seeking assurances from the Wake County schools that the incident would not be repeated and the people responsible for it would be held accountable.
"There should be some kind of system where proselytizing is not allowed," said Marc Conaghan, spokesman for the Raleigh-based Muslim group.
Parents, too, said the school's response wasn't adequate. Tariq Butt of Raleigh, whose daughter, Saira, is a freshman, said the principal's suggestion that Solomon's presentation was just "one person's perspective," was disingenuous.
"It wasn't opinion. It was an outright attack and fabrication," said Butt, who is a Muslim. "Can we allow the KKK to distribute hate-filled literature in school?"
Butt, who sent Escamilla e-mail, said he wasn't satisfied with his response. In an e-mail message to Butt, Escamilla said he did not know Solomon before inviting him to class and wasn't aware of Solomon's Web site, http://www.kimo4jesus.org/ which announces that, "Our mission is to raise an awareness of the danger of Islam among Christians and equip them to share Jesus with Muslims."
Escamilla said school principal Cochran asked him to defer all questions to her. Cochran could not be reached. Calls to Wake Superintendent Del Burns were not returned Wednesday.
Lisa Kaszycki, Alyssa's mother, said she contacted the school and got a short reply saying they were "dealing with the situation."
"I'll be interested to see what the outcome was," Kaszycki said.
and
ADVICE FOR GIRLS: 'DON'T BE FOOLED'
One of the pamphlets distributed to students at Enloe High School by Kamil Solomon is called "Do Not Marry a Muslim Man, Part I."
It quotes passages from the Quran appearing to condone violence against women, juxtaposing them against passages from the Bible. It then states:
"Because the United States is a country which welcomes people of all nationalities, cultures, and religions, you may at some time meet and develop a relationship with a Muslim man. He may be especially attractive because of his dark good looks, education, financial means, and the interest he shows in you. You may be excited that you found the 'tall, dark, and handsome man' you have been looking for. His sweet words and attention may blind you regarding the power, importance, and influence of his culture and Islamic faith. Because in the United States, we have freedom of religion, he may agree that you can remain a Christian and you may think there will be no problem with such a marriage. But do not be fooled and become a victim of his religion, Islam, which has very oppressive rules regarding women's status and rights. Such marriages will never be out of trouble."
Pertinent Links:
1) US teacher allowed anti-Islam handouts, activists say
2) Students told to shun Muslims
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - NORTH CAROLINA: A STATE SENATE BILL TO ALLOW THE USE OF THE QUR'AN BEFORE GIVING TESTIMONY IN A COURT OF LAW
US: New bill to allow courtroom oaths on Koran
Courtroom oaths could be taken on the Koran and other sacred texts besides the Bible in a bill filed in the state Senate on Wednesday.
The issue drew national attention last month when the first Muslim elected to US Congress took a ceremonial oath with a Koran once owned by Thomas Jefferson.
In North Carolina, the issue appeared in 2003 when a Muslim woman sued the state because she was not allowed to swear an oath on the Koran when she was called as a witness in a court case.
...
The bill also would make clear that oaths could be performed without the words "so help me God" if appropriate to the person's faith.
The dhimmification of the United States continues, unabated...
Pertinent Links:
1) US: New bill to allow courtroom oaths on Koran
Courtroom oaths could be taken on the Koran and other sacred texts besides the Bible in a bill filed in the state Senate on Wednesday.
The issue drew national attention last month when the first Muslim elected to US Congress took a ceremonial oath with a Koran once owned by Thomas Jefferson.
In North Carolina, the issue appeared in 2003 when a Muslim woman sued the state because she was not allowed to swear an oath on the Koran when she was called as a witness in a court case.
...
The bill also would make clear that oaths could be performed without the words "so help me God" if appropriate to the person's faith.
The dhimmification of the United States continues, unabated...
Pertinent Links:
1) US: New bill to allow courtroom oaths on Koran
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
