College Professor Fired for Showing Image of Muhammad in Class

Colleen McAllister

Unless she presented the painting with commentary about Mohammed being evil, or denigrating all Muslims, I see this as a respectful presentation of Muslim art. To say this was Islamaphobic is to say the teacher hates all Muslims. I see no evidence of that here. Giving advanced notice of the presentation was very respectful.

Joe Stutler

One would need to be a moron to take offense at pictures of mythological critters.

Pastor Jody S.

I wonder about this. Was the President of the Muslim Students enrolled in the class? Was he there because he heard the professor was going to show a well known painting that is readily available in art books and online?

Was this part of the class syllabus? If so, why did no one object until the class was conducted? All of us should be respectful of the faiths of other cultures, but the God of Isaac, Jacob, and yes - Muhammed - want us to be forgiving of each other. All of us should be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger".

Dialogue is the best way for all of us, before condemnation. In my conversations with Muslim women and men, I have found far more in common with them when it comes to matters of Faith, and life. The God of creation is the God of all of us.

Rev. Kev

"Islamophobia" is one of those neat catch-words designed to elicit an emotional response. A phobia is a deep, irrational fear. I fail to see how showing a picture in an art class about a piece of art is an irrational fear of Islam. Just as rational criticisms of a religion isn't a fear of any sort. The professor took all the proper precautions. It's up to the supposed adult students to make a decision based on the information, accept responsibility for their actions and outcomes, and stop whining about being offended by brute reality. They have freedom of religion. That freedom doesn't mean everyone else in an otherwise secular society needs to bend to their particular theological rules and beliefs. The professor was only fired as a sacrifice to prevent the sensitive babies from escalating to violence. As has happened too often in the past. Which, by the way, is a really awful commercial for their faith. People really need to get better at learning to peacefully co-exist in multicultural and multireligious societies.

Nicholas J Page

I agree grow up people how can pictures offend people in this day and age.

Rev. Dr. Father JJ

this discussion is like listening to third grade boys arguing which superhero can beat up which superhero. childish, immature and based on fantasy. the third grade boys too

Dr. Zerpersande, NSC

Art history prof shows a 14th century painting. It offends some adherents to religiously delusional worldview and the prof gets fired. Students were advised that the picture was going to be shown (which I think is silly, bc an obligatory hat tip to ignorance in a college setting goes against the concept of education) even though no Muslims were in the class. But they HEARD about it.

Tell me, does the school cafeteria serve bacon?

Rev. Laurie G. Cleveland RN

Second time that I posted this. OK. I was as dumb as this student was when I washed out of nursing school the first time. I didn't know much about other religions, races or religions. When I got my first black patient, a woman, I froze. My instructor, Mrs. Mugar, God love her, took me into her office and told me that underneath the skin we are all the same. Best words of advice that I ever had and I had a lot to learn. I hadn't come into contact with the variety of folks that you get in intercity hospitals. I had a lot to learn. I had a choice, either be ignorant or learn. I chose the latter.

I didn't make it through the first time. I went to Boston State College and I took a comparative theology class. This was that in art form. The only mistake that the professor made was to alert students that they would be seeing a picture of Muhammed in the Persian style, which I understand is quite beautiful That student sat through pictures of every major religious figure and prophet, yet she chose to sit through it and then complained. I have no sympathy for her. I also believe that in her ignorance, she is a troublemaker that needed to understand that there was no attempts from what has been said, to put this prophet in a bad light. Indeed, it was a very famous picture of Muhammed. She clearly was blinded by her faith and wasn't open to learning about or understanding other religious.

I firmly believe that God created different religions so that he could speak and be understood by different people. I did that. I had an Iranian student in my math class who thought that I was the funniest dumb blonde going. I was not the easy American that he was led to believe. I had an Ethiopian gentleman who was a Christian very intersted in me. We had some pretty interesting discussions. I learned about different beliefs, different ethnicities and the learning continued throughout my nursing career, which happened much later.

I have been many things. I was a first rate dog trainer and my dad got to see me become a professional dog handler. I could have joined the PHA, Professional Handler's Association, but chose not to because there were more scumbags in the ring than I cared to be formerly associated with. I knew the rules and stuck to them. No tricks. Just good togs and an attitude that you had to beat me. I was lucky to have the mentors that I had. One of them, Ellie Berger, did more than just dogs. She taught me part of who I was. I used that knowledge quite a bit and during nursing school #2, Quincy College, I did my OB at my old hospital, South Shore Hospital in Weymough, MA. They had never seen a student like me who did stuff that only very experienced nurses did and they wanted me. I evidently had been blackballed when I was a Tumor Registrar and head of the Cancer Management Program at the hospital. They refused to give me my own office and staff. Stuff happens. I can honestly say that I went into places that I wouldn't send a dead rat into. I was expected to do my job despite less than stellar circumstances. Never called for backup. You know the rules and follow them.

My job was to help people and sometimes language was an issue. I oftentimes would use family members. In one case, there was nothing but mats on the floor. 5 generations. I bowed to the elders first. It was their custom. My client was a 14 year old girl who had just had a baby. It wasn't my place to judge. It was their culture. I just had to get around it to make sure that the girl could take care of the baby and that there were no problems. Mission accomplished.

Instead of raising hell over a picture, she would have been better served to understand what a very unique piece of art that it was and that it was all part of the class. There are no exceptions in classes like this except Satanic and atheist..

Mary Haviland

that is reduculas, muhhamad is not so sacred that you cant criticize him, esp if they believe it is okay to criticize and misslable our Yeshua the Messiah, and so far they have not been willing to do that, even if they do, muhammud is still not that sacrid, esp, since he was a false prophet, and he was possessed by a demons and his book was also inspired by demons, so they have no right to tell anybody else how we can think or talk. and they need to be straightned out about that, once and for all. esp in a country with freedom of speach, and esp after all the crap the teachers have been teaching our children with regards to sexuality and tranny carp, and blm and antifa crap, then muhammad is also fair game.

Rev. Dee

The USA is SO screwed up.

rebadams7

Fear. The university is full of fear and that’s no place to learn. Best pack up your books and seek an institution of freedom, light and respect for knowledge R

Kenneth Eagle Spirit

Seems like there's a fine line between respect for the religious beliefs of any given group, in this case Muslims, and freedom of expression or freedom of speech. Personally I think respect for religious beliefs should prevail. But that's just me. I'll be interested to see how this discussion goes.

Herbert Moore

Wonder what their response is to physic's position on the ages of the universe and the earth? Certainly those must mess with some of their beliefs, also.

Clyde

So? Show me the pic. The grave images thing is a joke. You call yourself a prophet ,then suffer the poor representations. God don’t need no protection from false gods. Neither does Moses, Jesus, nor Mohammed. Grow up and honor the Creator!

John P Maher

IGNORANCE is BLISS !!! WHAT COLLEGE of NOTHING is THIS in THE STATE of NOTHING with NOTHING BUT SWAMP WATER for BRAINs !

Rev Frankie PG

Why am I not surprised? Always scream acceptance, until it's something you don't appreciate, is exactly what goes on at several universities throughout the country. Our country, which takes pride of our Bill of Rights, of Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Choice, Freedom of the Press, etc. When I was at UNLV I joined the GayBCs Club, Spectrum. Before I went to the first meeting I asked the representative, "is the group open-minded." Where he proudly turned and said, "yes, our motto is Speak Up." Now I was already 36 at the time, had medically retired from the military, had already spent years in law-enforcement and a few other life achieving steps but I figured, if it's in their motto and I'm respectful I can't lose. About 18 months into it, they proved me wrong, especially when it came to the part of me supporting Martin Luther Kings stanza, 'children not being judged based upon the color of their skin but rather the content of their character', which they decried was barbaric thinking. Though the Director of Student Affairs and the Director of Student Conduct said they couldn't do anything, the Director of Campus Ethics said differently. As a matter of fact, during the meeting he even told me that I should try to create my own group. Why? Was I more or less gay than the others in the group?

This professor absolutely provided the renderings in an appropriate setting, even though she wasted her breath warning the students of the upcoming image in an Arts (aka- image) History (aka- past) Course. I'd understand if the class wasn't related but the name says it all. What it didn't say was that students that are too immature to be in college and face truths should go back home and then mommy and daddy that they made the bubble they so appreciate. Now granted I'm not Muslim and though I grew up with my Persian uncle and his mom, there's still much to be learned. Once again though, the first and only warning, that should be necessary, is in the title of the class.

David Arthur Lewis

There was a time when Religion ruled the known world. We call it the Dark Ages. Let's not do that again, please.

David Arthur Lewis

This sounds like a set-up to me. Like the Muslim Student guy heard about it ahead of time and intentionally attended the class, ignored all the warnings of explicit content, and went there with the full intention of being offended and causing a fake "Islamophobic" incident. It's really no different from "Swatting".

Julie Gardner

Practicing one’s religion & spirituality is a personal responsibility. It is immature and unrealistic to believe we can live in a world that will never offend. If we did we would be so protected & isolated there would be no room for dialogue & learning. Being forced to follow a belief system is one thing, but choosing to participate when one has a choice and would experience no negative impact by not participating, is another. Understanding this difference is fundamental to addressing systemic issues. Choosing to ignore this difference is disrespectful to those who truly don’t have choice.

Stephen Mohlaloga Makgoathane

I have sent a few comments on these happenings some few weeks if not months. Looks like my publication is not considered or taken serious, maybe this reason or that reason. I want to know why you people don't publish my input, my opinion, my contribution? I've been participating in about 4 cases but non has been published. I want to know why? STEPHEN TREVOR MOHLALOGA MAKGOATHANE ( S.A)

Louise Marie Harmon

I think the university went way overboard in their response to the situation. Dr. López Prater presented the piece in the context of art history, amply warning her students ahead of time about the material she would be presenting and giving anyone opportunity to leave if they felt uncomfortable. The university reacted out of fear of reprisal from one group of students and failed to protect the interest of the rest. Genocide and dictatorships begin when one small group becomes empowered to decree to the majority what is allowed or forbidden.

Peter Senderowitz

There are too many clerical fascists - Christians, Hebrews and Muslims- trying to bully lay and secular people. Let these theocrats go where they can bully each other and, who knows, stir up a holy war for themselves. And by the way, time for separation of Church and state- no more tax breaks for churches, synagogues or mosques. Let the believers dig into their pockets to keep their own spiritual belief institutions! Rev. Peter Merovitch Senderowitz

Ahmed Abduljabar Al-Hujazi

Any depiction of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is considered disrespectful by most Muslims. This due to the early years of Islam when idolators were persecuting Muslims; and later when Muhammad himself destroyed all the false idols in the Kabba (the house built to God by Abraham). The Prophet was adamant that he was just a man, and that only Allah was worthy of worship. The concern of displaying Muhammad (pbuh) in any form is that he might become a figure (a.k.a idol) of worship. That said, the professor did give those who might be offended fair warning, so I don't believe she should have been fired. There are some Muslims who will say that any display of the Prophet's image anytime, anywhere is disrespectful; however, that is a matter of personal belief and interpretation of the Message. What our Christian friends need to ask themselves is: How would you feel if Jesus (pbuh) was depicted graphically having sex with Mary Magdalene?

Larry Mager

All I can say is that THIS is why there is so much Islamophobia when there should not be any. Like so many "Christian" groups, some things appear to be taken WAAAAYYYY out of context.

William Langen Burgoyne

I believe that any artistic paintings concerning the Muslim pictures of Muhhamed or even the Buddah or Jesus Christ are completely justified and anyone who displays them should not be held accountable for their actions.

Joseph G Mann

Professor did absolutely nothing wrong!!!

Thomas A. Follis

Things in this country are out of control. A professor is fired for showing pictures of WHO? Yet, we no longer teach American history in our schools. It’s appropriate to show 2 people of the same sex swapping spit on the tube but, we can show pictures of WHO? Really people, this is America.

Thomas A. Follis

Things in this country are out of control. A professor is fired for showing pictures of WHO? Yet, we no longer teach American history in our schools. It’s appropriate to show 2 people of the same sex swapping spit on the tube but, we can show pictures of WHO? Really people, this is America.

Thomas A. Follis

Things in this country are out of control. A professor is fired for showing pictures of WHO? Yet, we no longer teach American history in our schools. It’s appropriate to show 2 people of the same sex swapping spit on the tube but, we can show pictures of WHO? Really people, this is America.

Thomas A. Follis

Things in this country are out of control. A professor is fired for showing pictures of WHO? Yet, we no longer teach American history in our schools. It’s appropriate to show 2 people of the same sex swapping spit on the tube but, we can show pictures of WHO? Really people, this is America.

Thomas A. Follis

Things in this country are out of control. A professor is fired for showing pictures of WHO? Yet, we no longer teach American history in our schools. It’s appropriate to show 2 people of the same sex swapping spit on the tube but, we can show pictures of WHO? Really people, this is America.

Michael Burton

Demonstrates the need for organized religions to exercise power for control.

For historical purposes, the professor should have put up a blank screen noting that there were no photographs of paintings at the time Mohammad was conducting his conquests of the Middle east, and the same goes for any portrail of Jesus. There were, I understand, contemporary paintings and sculptures of Buddah.

Daniel Todd Kamm

Art is art. History is history. Much of the art was done in a historical context before someone decided it was not appropriate. There's even debate as to why: are his images idolatrous? Are they offensive if they do not portray him a certain way? Is his image white enough, or black enough for some people? Was he too tall or too short, or did he have a crutch in his old age or was he bald and people coming after wanted everyone to cover their heads so MTP did not appear bald because he covered his head? Who knows. Lots of poetry, lots of commentary, lots of rage, not to mention, there are all kinds of his followers who follow his teachings but also their own hearts and minds. Which was the whole point. People of all ilks take too much offense at their own non-sense. Give some money to the poor and make amends for your own foibles and then maybe MTP will speak to you. Peace Out...Rebtk

Mary Haviland

as i said before, she did nothing wrong, in fact she had a disclamer on the paintiong, if the muslim community doent want thot paintins to be viewed, they should never have had allowed them to be painted and or allow them to be out in the public. it they allow them to be made public, they are giving the consent for them to be seen, besides it looks like some of the paintings that were shown, had muhammuds face vailed anyway, this is just another example of irrational hypocricy for a mentally ill group of people.

James Allen Englehart

If she was just showing the painting as part of class, I see no issues. If there was positive or negative statements about religion or similar things I could see a problem. Students were given warnings. Those students should be considered adults that can make decisions.

R Daniel Champion

All paths to God should be honored. Free speech, discussions, and pictures are good activities to use when we are talking and learning about other alternate parts different from our own, This professor did nothing wrong and should receive an apology, pack pay, and re-instatement. The people who were so "offended" might wish to examine their own intolerance to other people's quest for knowledge.