The Freemasons are seeking an emergency injunction from the High Court to stop the Metropolitan Police’s new policy requiring officers to disclose their Freemason membership. The Freemasons claim the policy constitutes religious discrimination, arguing that it violates the human rights of its members who are required to have religious faith. The Met, aiming to restore public trust, is defending the policy, which was implemented in response to concerns about potential conflicts of interest and past claims of Masonic influence in the force, including a case under investigation involving allegations of wrongdoing. The policy has also gained support from two-thirds of officers and staff, as revealed by a Met survey.
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The University of Oklahoma removed an instructor after a student alleged religious discrimination due to a failing grade on a psychology paper. The university’s investigation determined the instructor acted arbitrarily in grading the student’s work. The instructor, however, denies any wrongdoing and is considering legal options. The case became a point of contention in the debate over academic freedom, particularly with conservative groups and officials involved. The university has stated its commitment to academic freedom and the student’s right to an education free from biased evaluation while also removing the assignment from grade calculations.
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The University of Oklahoma has removed a teaching assistant from their instructional duties following a controversy over a failing grade given to a student. The student, Samantha Fulnecky, received an F on an essay about gender norms, which she claimed was due to religious discrimination. An investigation revealed that the teaching assistant was arbitrary in their grading standards, leading to the decision. Fulnecky’s grade appeal was resolved in her favor, while the university stated they do not release findings from discrimination investigations.
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GOP senator calls to ban, deport ‘Islam’ immigrants over National Guard shooting. The reaction to this proposed policy is, unsurprisingly, strong and varied, reflecting the deep divisions within the country. It’s almost unbelievable that, in the wake of a National Guard shooting, a US Senator would suggest such a sweeping and discriminatory action. The core idea, that an entire group of people – in this case, immigrants who practice Islam – should be banned and deported because of the actions of a single individual, immediately raises red flags. It’s a suggestion that taps into deeply rooted prejudices and plays on fear, and many see it as a blatant example of Islamophobia.… Continue reading
Representative Mary Miller (R-Ill.) issued a since-deleted social media post expressing disapproval of a Sikh chaplain’s prayer in the House, initially misidentifying him as Muslim. Her statement drew immediate bipartisan condemnation, with Republicans and Democrats alike criticizing her remarks as discriminatory and inconsistent with American values of religious freedom. The guest chaplain, Giani Surinder Singh, offered a prayer for peace and unity. Historically, the House has invited guest chaplains from diverse faiths, reflecting the nation’s religious pluralism.
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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), under Secretary Doug Collins, has established a taskforce to investigate alleged anti-Christian bias within the department, soliciting reports from employees via a dedicated email address. This initiative, stemming from a broader Trump administration effort to address perceived anti-Christian sentiment in government, seeks reports on various issues, including informal policies, vaccine mandate exemptions, and responses to requests for religious exemptions from certain procedures. The email requests detailed information, including names, dates, and locations, for each reported incident. Critics have denounced this initiative as a partisan attempt to favor evangelical Christianity.
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Yisroel Liebb filed a federal lawsuit against United Airlines and the Department of Homeland Security alleging religious discrimination and unlawful detention. The lawsuit claims a pilot forcibly removed Liebb from the airplane bathroom while he was experiencing a medical issue, exposing him to other passengers. Following the incident, CBP officers detained Liebb and a fellow passenger, searched their luggage, and made disparaging remarks about their faith. The airline and CBP have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
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In Moradabad, India, a Muslim couple was forced to resell their newly purchased home after facing intense protests from Hindu neighbors who objected to their presence in the predominantly Hindu housing society. The protests, fueled by claims of safety concerns and religious intolerance, led to the intervention of local officials and the couple’s eventual agreement to resell the property to a Hindu family. This incident highlights the growing religious polarization in India and underscores the discriminatory practices faced by Muslim communities in accessing housing. The incident is not isolated, with similar instances of discrimination reported across various Indian cities, raising concerns about the violation of fundamental rights.
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A recent report by the NGO ‘Call For Justice’ details allegations of widespread discrimination against Hindu students and faculty at Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi. These allegations include forced conversion attempts, threats of rape and violence, and public mockery based on religious identity. Tribal students also faced similar discriminatory practices, with some leaving the university as a result. While the university administration has condemned the reported actions and pledged inclusivity, the report highlights a pattern of past mishandling of such incidents.
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The Southern Baptist Convention is poised to embark on a controversial decision that could potentially affect hundreds of congregations and have a disproportionate impact on predominantly Black churches. The proposed ban on churches with women pastors is a step backward for a denomination that has a complicated history, including its split from the Triennial Convention in 1845 to support slavery. It’s disheartening to see such a regressive move in a time when inclusivity and diversity are crucial elements for any organization.
As someone who was raised in a Southern Baptist church, it’s disheartening to witness the ongoing narrow-mindedness and discrimination within the denomination.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood