Students are awash in controversy at the University of Michigan-Dearborn over the installation of footbaths on campus. The university claims it is merely accommodating the needs of Muslim students who, as part of their religious practice, are required to wash their feet before their five-times-a-day prayers. Students were washing their feet in the sinks, which the university claimed caused a safety hazard when water spilled onto the floor. The New York Times reports:
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.
Church-state separationists are concerned that by permanently altering buildings on the campus, the university is forcing all students to support, with their student fees, one religious belief.
And conservative lawyer/blogger Debbie Schlussel posted: “Forget about the Constitutionally mandated separation of church and state ... at least when it comes to mosque and state.”
It's amazing to me how conservatives never support church-state separation, except as a cover for perceived discrimination against Christians.
So what do you think? I'd really like to hear your thoughts as to whether or not this is religious accommodation, or an unconstitutional government support of religion.
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