The University of Maryland joins the University of Michigan in the ranks of educational institutions with an “American Sniper” controversy.
Muslim student protests prompted the University of Maryland at College Park to announce the cancellation of the movie about deceased Navy SEAL Chris Kyle.
“American Sniper only perpetuates the spread of Islamophobia and is offensive to many Muslims around the world for good reason. This movie dehumanizes Muslim individuals, promotes the idea of senseless mass murder, and portrays negative and inaccurate stereotypes,” the university’s Muslim Students Association said in its petition, Fox News reported Thursday.
The Oscar-winning movie was supposed to be shown on May 6 and 7, but the university’s Student Entertainment Events (SEE) postponed the event on Wednesday.
“SEE is choosing to explore the proactive measures of working with others during the coming months to possibly create an event where students can engage in constructive and moderated dialogues about the controversial topics proposed in the film,” SEE said in a statement posted on the university’s website, Fox reported.
Muslim Students Association praised the decision, citing it as evidence university officials cared about creating an “inclusive, just and safe campus community,” Fox reported.
The University of Michigan went through a similar “American Sniper” controversy earlier this month, which came to an end shortly after head football coach Jim Harbaugh tweeted that his team would be watching the movie.
“Michigan Football will watch ’American Sniper’! Proud of Chris Kyle & Proud to be an American & if that offends anybody then so be it!” the coach tweeted.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.