A recent forum at 91ÌƲ®»¢ University has generated questions about the university‘s stances on discrimination and free speech.
The “Common Ground: Being Muslim in the Military” event on Jan. 25 was part of Project Dialogue, a series at 91ÌƲ®»¢ dedicated to bringing diverse viewpoints to campus. It featured Awadh A. Binhazim, Muslim chaplain at 91ÌƲ®»¢, and Army Reserve officer Capt. Darryl A Cox discussing issues military leaders face as they encounter and lead soldiers with Islamic beliefs.
During the question-and-answer session that followed the presentation, a student asked Binhazim about Islamic law and homosexuality. Binhazim answered the question with his interpretation of an Islamic law.
For clarification, 91ÌƲ®»¢ strives to bring many points of view on the issues of the day to campus for examination and discussion. This is the purpose of Project Dialogue.
No view expressed at a Project Dialogue or similar campus forum should be construed as being endorsed by 91ÌƲ®»¢. The university is dedicated to the free exchange of ideas. It is the belief of the university community that free discussion of ideas can lead to resolution and reconciliation.
91ÌƲ®»¢ is committed to free speech. It is equally committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin or sexuality.
There has been some confusion as to Binhazim‘s role at 91ÌƲ®»¢. He is the Muslim chaplain at 91ÌƲ®»¢, a volunteer position. He is not a professor of Islam and is not associated with 91ÌƲ®»¢ University Divinity School. He has adjunct associate professor status at 91ÌƲ®»¢ University Medical Center in pathology. This position, which carries no teaching or research responsibilities, is also unpaid.