Shari’a footbath project draws fire in Michigan
Islamic leaders pushed for and won Shari’a footbath projects built at numerous colleges and universities, Michigan project draws fire
Numerous American schools such as George Mason University, Virginia, and Eastern Michigan University, Michigan, have recently installed footbaths to accommodate Muslim students.
The action reflects a trend among institutions of higher learning to increase the visibility of an Islamic culture.
The University of Michigan-Dearborn’s decision to use general funds to pay for several footbaths (at an approximate cost of $25,000 each) has created a frenzy of media attention.
Most other programs, paid for by Islamic funding groups, continue apace without much attention from the general public.
Asked why footbaths were being installed, U of M-Dearborn spokesman Terry Gallagher said to PRB News, “This is an accommodation to a significant portion of our student body and their friends and visitors in accordance with our mission.”
“It is a growing trend with Boston University, Cal State-Fullerton, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Washington University of St. Louis, all installing footbaths,” he added. “We wanted to be part of that trend in accommodating Muslim students."
Gallagher explained negotiations to install the plumbing took place for years - the local chapter of the Muslim Student Association was prepared to provide money for construction.
However, U-M-Dearborn Vice Chancellor Robert G. Behrens was the sole decision maker in deciding to install footbaths using the university’s general fund money.
He did not have to go before a committee of University Regents to obtain approval or consult with anyone else.
The footbaths come while Michigan is in a budget crisis and tuition and fees have risen at all of the state's public universities, up 7.9% at the Dearborn campus alone.
In a message posted on the university website, officials say that University of Michigan-Dearborn has a strong commitment to a pluralistic society.
“We foster a culture of respect and tolerance, and we have a long history of openness on our campus,” the statement said.
“This is due to the efforts of our faculty, staff and students to create a climate where people of different racial, ethnic, or religious backgrounds can learn and work together in a civil and mutually respectful manner,” it continued.
“Our recent decision to modify existing facilities to provide two foot-washing stations is a reflection of our values of respect, tolerance, and safe accommodation of student needs.
School officials noted Muslims, accounting for about 11% of the university’s student body, have been using bathroom sinks to wash their feet before praying during the day.
School officials complained about sinks being torn loose from the wall and about water on the floor creating a safety and health hazard.
The footbaths in Michigan are similar to one provided for students at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
Yet, at that same college, the administration reportedly banned a campus coffee cart from playing Christmas carols last year, and school officials warned faculty and staff to refrain from displays that represent a particular religious holiday during December.
Despite opposition from a variety of sources, the university is “full steam ahead” with plans to add the new plumbing - catering to Islamic Shari’a requirements without benefiting anyone else.
By Debra Ferrell, special to PRB News