Muslim preaching course excludes student

Notes: "The dean of theology at London, Ont.'s Huron University College denies discriminating against a non-Muslim prohibited from auditing a course on Islamic preaching after initial acceptance. The Rev. Canon Todd Townshend says the decision to exclude auditors, including the complainant, was due to academic logistics after the course filled up with students taking it for credit. Designed principally for Muslims, 'The Muslim Voice: Preaching, Public Speaking and Worship' was technically open to non-Muslim auditors. 'We might have accommodated this student if he had indicated right away that he wanted to take it for credit', said Townshend. [Moray] Watson, a chartered accountant who regularly monitors Islamic websites and is concerned about Islamic extremism, launched a formal complaint against Huron, A Presbyterian-raised atheist, Watson is alarmed at 'Islamic proselytization in my backyard' and possible radical funding sources for Islamic studies. He contends that since Huron receives public funding, its courses should be open to taxpaying public". [Text of entire article.]

Subjects: Huron University College (London, Ont.); Townshend, Todd (Robert Todd), 1967-; Islamic preaching; Islamophobia - Canada; Watson, Moray