3 10 101 https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/e44574b78a61de776d9c01bd9afdedc8.png d979de7ab7cbec23d24d45c38c665a3a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource The Muslim American Society's Katy Islamic Center marked its opening June 13 with a ribbon-cutting celebration at 1800 Baker Road. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/katy/news/article/MAS-Islamic-Center-largest-mosque-in-Katy-to-6323464.php Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Texas Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. TX_01 Location The location of the interview Katy, TX Year Year the case began. 2006 Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 1800 Baker Road, Houston, TX 77094 Plus Code Enter the plus code for the location, if it is available. Q76W+C8 Windsor Park Estates, Texas Proposed Project mosque and community center on 11-acre property in Katy, TX Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. Katy Islamic Association (KIA) Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Public Campaign Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications Approved Narrative Enter the narrative about the case here. The Katy Islamic Association (KIA) acquired an 11-acre property at 1800 Baker Rd in a predominantly white, upper-middle-class neighborhood in Katy, located on the outskirts of Houston, TX. The association purchased the property for $1.1 million, intending to construct a mosque to serve the local community, which includes approximately 500 Muslim families. The planned complex was to feature a mosque, school, community center, and activity space, with potential future expansions including a health clinic and elderly living center. Public opinion regarding the Islamic Center was divided, with some expressing support and others voicing strong opposition. One adjacent property owner alleged that representatives of the Islamic Center insulted him, leading him to retaliate by holding weekly pig races during the Center’s prayer times. Despite the controversy, the Katy Islamic Association obtained the necessary building permits from local authorities and officially opened the mosque on June 13, 2015. The land acquisition for the Islamic Center in Katy quickly sparked opposition among local residents. One individual created a website with a domain name similar to that of the Katy Islamic Association, which included a tally of terrorist activities post-September 11, 2001, and disseminated misinformation about the Association and its planned mosque. A group called PLANK (Preserving the Lifestyles and Neighborhoods of Katy) emerged to articulate concerns that the mosque would lead to increased traffic, flooding, light and noise pollution, and a decline in property values. Additionally, some community members questioned potential ties between KIA and extremist groups, expressing safety concerns. Nonetheless, other residents defended KIA, apologizing for the community's opposition. Particularly notable was the reaction of neighbor Craig Baker, who, after a disagreement with an Islamic Center representative, relocated his pig pens adjacent to the Center's property and initiated weekly pig racing events on Fridays (Stanley, 2006, Dec 4). In response to these tensions, the Katy Islamic Association undertook significant efforts to address community concerns and foster harmony. They organized outreach events, inviting local residents to engage with the Center’s leadership and learn more about their mission. During these meetings, they addressed various concerns, such as adjusting the angle of floodlights that were disturbing a neighbor's sleep and removing the mosque’s gold dome from the architectural plans to accommodate aesthetic preferences (Miakti, 2019, March 12). Support from local Jewish, Catholic, and Muslim religious leaders further bolstered interfaith dialogue and unity (Eriksen, 2007, Jan 17). After sufficient fundraising and obtaining the necessary permits, KIA commenced construction of the Katy Islamic Center, which opened on June 6, 2015. By 2019, leaders from the Islamic Center reported significant improvements in community relations, highlighted by the strong support they received following a shooting incident at the mosque in January 2019 (Miakti, 2019, March 12). References <ul> <li>Eriksen, H. (2007, January 17). Interfaith group promotes tolerance in forumsKaty pig races near mosque site sparked meetings. Houston Chronicle (TX), p. 4. Available from <a href="https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/116BB5D156553D48">NewsBank</a>.</li> <li>Mikati, M. (2019, March 12). Years after pig races, support for Katy mosque shows improved relations with community. Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Years-after-pig-races-support-for-Katy-mosque-13680419.php">https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Years-after-pig-races-support-for-Katy-mosque-13680419.php</a>. </li> <li>Stanley, T. (2006, December 4). Baker Rd. residents take up sides on proposed mosque. Katy Times. Retrieved from <a href="http://katytimes.com/news/article_55c01a9d-cd4d-5729-b502-decd5b297d6e.html">http://katytimes.com/news/article_55c01a9d-cd4d-5729-b502-decd5b297d6e.html</a>. </li> </ul> Last Updated Date revised. May 25, 2024 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Katy, TX Description An account of the resource The Katy Islamic Association (KIA) purchased an 11-acre property in Katy, TX, to build a mosque and community center, encountering mixed public reactions. Some locals opposed the project, citing concerns over traffic, property values, and potential extremist ties, while others supported KIA. Neighbor Craig Baker's hostile response included weekly pig races. KIA addressed community concerns through outreach events and adjustments to their plans, receiving support from interfaith leaders. The mosque opened in June 2015, and by 2019, community relations had improved significantly, as evidenced by local support after a shooting incident at the mosque. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Bryce Bentinck Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Approved Built Islamic Center Public Campaign Purpose-Built https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/8514872f7e41076779ed06b08244fffd.jpeg 6854660aeffa09a8e16d6cefd2a9f8b1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Virginia Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. Va_04 Location The location of the interview Chantilly, VA Year Year the case began. 2012 Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 4555 Ahmadiyya Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151 Plus Code Enter the plus code for the location, if it is available. VHJ7+5C Chantilly, Virginia Proposed Project mosque Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mosque Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Crimes Against Property (Vandalism) Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications Built Narrative Enter the narrative about the case here. The Ahmadiyah Muslim Community Mosque was under construction to serve the Ahmadiyah Muslim population in Chantilly, VA, and the surrounding area. Between 4:30 PM on January 29, 2012, and 8:30 AM on January 30, 2012, the mosque was vandalized. The following morning, construction crew members discovered extensive damage to the building's exterior, along with several empty containers of alcoholic beverages. In response to the incident, various groups and local leaders, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), issued public statements urging federal and local law enforcement to investigate the incident as a potential hate crime. The majority of the damage resulted from the perpetrators throwing stones and concrete bricks through the custom windows on the first floor, causing an estimated $60,000 in damages. The force of the impact also dislodged chunks of the exterior wall. Additionally, beer cans and other remnants of alcoholic beverages were found at and around the site. It appeared that the perpetrators did not attempt to enter the building. Despite these findings, the Fairfax Police Department reported no evidence suggesting that the act of vandalism constituted a hate crime. Nevertheless, both CAIR and the ADL issued statements advocating for the incident to be investigated as a possible hate crime. In the week following the incident, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) made the following statement: "The reported vandalism of a mosque in Chantilly, Virginia, is an affront to the American traditions which we hold dear. We must not remain silent when any house of worship is attacked like this on our soil” (Senator Webb Statement on Vandalism of Mosque, 2012, Jan 31). Similarly, Governor Tim Kaine condemned the vandalism, stating, "The act of vandalism that occurred at a mosque in Chantilly, Virginia, is inexcusable. Every American has the right to worship safely and peacefully, and we must take swift and appropriate action against any who threaten that right" (Tim Kaine Statement on Act of Vandalism Against at Chantilly Mosque, 2012, Feb 1). References <ul> <li>Senator Webb Statement on Vandalism of Mosque in Chantilly, Virginia. (2012, February 1). Targeted News Service (USA). Available from <a href="https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/13CA7C7055B83228">NewsBank</a>.</li> <li>Tim Kaine Statement On Act Of Vandalism At Chantilly Mosque. (2012, February 1). Targeted News Service. Available from <a href="https://advance-lexis-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:57F8-DVY1-DYG2-R384-00000-00&context=1516831">Nexix Uni</a>. </li> </ul> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Chantilly, VA Description An account of the resource The Ahmadiyah Muslim Community Mosque in Chantilly, VA, was vandalized overnight between January 29 and 30, 2012, resulting in extensive exterior damage and $60,000 in repair costs. Following the vandalism, CAIR and the ADL called for local and federal law enforcement to investigate the incident as a possible hate crime. Local law enforcement arrested at least one suspect but stated that there was no evidence of a hate crime being committed. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Bryce Bentinck Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University ADL Built CAIR Crimes Against Property Mosque https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/f6ece3d97880eda74ce0174c9dc406a9.png 3ebda4c4f554cd963d57171026d693a6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Virginia Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. Va_08 Location The location of the interview Nokesville, VA Year Year the case began. 2017 Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 12655 Vint Hill Rd, Nokesville, VA 20181 Plus Code Enter the plus code for the location, if it is available. PCJH+R6 Nokesville, Virginia Proposed Project ADAMS plans a 22,400-square-foot mosque in Nokesville, Prince William County, that will accommodate 500 worshippers, offer Sunday school, and host interfaith events. Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. <a href="https://www.adamscenter.org/about">All Dulles Area Muslim Society</a> Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Public Campaign, Legal Action Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications Approved Narrative Enter the narrative about the case here. In 2016, the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) sought a special-use permit for a property in Nokesville intended for the construction of a 500-person mosque, aiming to serve the local Muslim population of 150-200 individuals who currently worshiped in rented premises in nearby Manassas. The proposed facility would serve as an Islamic Center accommodating prayers, classes, fundraisers, and similar activities. The project faced significant opposition from local residents, citing concerns such as its perceived clash with the rural ambiance and aesthetics of the town, potential traffic congestion, and fears of setting a precedent for excessive development. The Prince William County Planning Commission initially recommended approval of the permit with the condition of using a septic tank. However, adhering to federal non-discrimination laws, the County Board of Supervisors approved the project, allowing ADAMS to connect to the public sewer system. This decision led to community groups challenging the County Board of Supervisors in court and attempting to remove Chairman Corey Stewart from office. During the Planning Commission meeting, public concerns centered on the mosque's size and its impact on the landscape, traffic flow, and the Rural Crescent—a protected area of approximately 80,000 acres to prevent urban sprawl and excessive development. Public sewer access within the Rural Crescent was traditionally restricted to control building size and development. The Planning Commission's decision to permit the mosque without public sewer access was justified based on these zoning regulations. Supporters of the mosque noted previous exceptions for religious institutions to connect to the public sewer system, while opponents argued that these exceptions were granted due to specific infrastructure-related needs. At the Prince William Board of Supervisors meeting, the motion to approve the proposed mosque project was divided into two parts. The first part, concerning the mosque's construction without access to the public sewer, was unanimously approved. The second motion to allow the mosque to connect to the public sewer system, which initially faced rejection, was revisited and ultimately approved. This decision reversal followed inquiries directed to the County Attorney regarding RLUIPA and the application of County policy in prior cases involving religious institutions. During this discussion, the Board was reminded by its legal counsel of the unsuitability of a septic system for the sporadic usage typical of such religious institutions, citing a previous determination regarding a Christian church. Subsequently, the motion to grant the mosque access to the public sewer system was approved by a vote of 5-3, overturning the previous rejection resulting in a 4-4 tie. Following the Board's approval, civic groups like Save Our PWC, LLC, mobilized to petition for Chairman Stewart's removal, citing concerns about his conduct and adherence to regulations (Koma, 2017, September 14). Another group, Action for Rural Crescent, LLC, pursued legal action against the Board, arguing procedural irregularities infringed upon their due process rights and violated state law. Despite these challenges, Chairman Stewart retained his position, and the Prince William County Circuit Court ultimately dismissed the legal case brought by Action for Rural Crescent, LLC. References Koma, A. (2017, September 14). Group formed to recall Prince William chairman Corey Stewart. InsideNoVa - Prince William (VA). Available from <a href="https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/166EBB3F0A5F1720">NewsBank</a>. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Nokesville, VA Description An account of the resource The case details the contentious approval process for a proposed mosque in Nokesville by the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS). Despite local opposition citing concerns over rural aesthetics and traffic, the Prince William County Planning Commission recommended approval, leading to a legal battle and attempts to remove Chairman Corey Stewart from office. The County Board of Supervisors ultimately approved the project, allowing ADAMS to connect to public sewer after initial rejection. This decision involved considerations of federal laws, zoning regulations in the Rural Crescent, and comparisons with past religious institution cases, culminating in legal challenges and Chairman Stewart retaining his position. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Bryce Bentinck Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Approved Lawsuit (non-RLUIPA) Legal Campaign Mosque Purpose-Built https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/35edcb3499a8c353a59c3aac3a562ac1.png 848cb816a44545006a84022dde43c9bc Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Roxbury Mosque [Online image]. (2008, November 18). Retrieved from <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RoxburyMosque2.JPG">https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RoxburyMosque2.JPG</a> https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/8193dec287dbf0afc266e1465e53c984.png a3409473411360dc26d940c1035bbedd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource ISBCC Inauguration [Online image]. (2009, June 28). Retrieved from <a href="http://pluralism.org/images/isbcc-inauguration.">http://pluralism.org/images/isbcc-inauguration</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Massachusettes Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. Ma_01 Location The location of the interview Roxbury, MA Date October 2003-June 2009 Summary Enter a brief description of the case (no more than 600 characters). This should be one or two sentences. Initially formed by a group of college students, the ISB expanded to be the largest Muslim organization in the Greater Boston area. For seventeen years, they struggled to build an Islamic Cultural Center on land they had rightfully purchased. In the mid-2000s, the ISB was entangled in a plethora of public complaints and lawsuits; most were centered around charges that leaders in the Muslim community had connections to terrorist groups. Despite support from both government officials and residents of Boston, the ISB’s project was temporarily delayed. The Islamic Cultural Center was in full operation by the summer of 2009. Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 100 Malcolm X Blvd, Roxbury, MA 02120 Plus Code Enter the plus code for the location, if it is available. 8WJ4+8M Coordinates Enter the coordinates for the location, if they are available. 42° 19' 52.878'' N, 71° 5' 36.9276'' W Proposed Project The 68,000 square foot Islamic Cultural Center, which can hold roughly three thousand people, includes a mosque, school, morgue, library, store, halls, and much more inside. Most of the 1.9 acres bought and $15.6 million spent was used for the construction of the mosque and school. Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. <a href="https://isbcc.org/">The Islamic Society of Boston</a> Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Public Campaign/Protest and Legal Campaign/Lawsuit Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications approved as proposed; delayed Current Status: As of 2019, the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center is still operating smoothly and thousands of congregants attend their religious services every week. Narrative Enter the narrative about the case here. In the early 1980s, a group of Muslim college students collaborated to form the Islamic Society of Boston to unite the various Muslim Students’ Associations across universities near Boston. The MSAs at local universities were very diverse, and anyone who identified as Muslim was welcomed. As the ISB expanded in population, there was a need for a physical location to congregate at; thus, they began dedicating efforts towards purchasing and building community centers. The first community center, located in Cambridge, MA, was renovated and finalized in 1994 without much opposition. Unfortunately for the ISB, their second project was far more difficult to complete. In the fall of 1992, the ISB negotiated a deal with the City of Roxbury, a neighborhood within Boston, that facilitated the purchase of the land where the Islamic Cultural Center was proposed to be built on. The purchase price ISB negotiated with the city was below market value. The Boston Redevelopment Authority insisted that there was adequate reasoning in granting the ISB a significantly lower price — the BRA believed that the mission and objectives of the ISB would economically benefit the local community, therefore justifying the steep discount. Nonetheless, it would take the ISB until 2002 to finally begin to build the Islamic Cultural Center; given the ISB’s vision to build a mosque, school, library, and much more within the ICC, the cost of the project impeded building plans between 1992 and 2002. The ISB struggled to garner the funds required for the construction of the project, and talks with city officials to resolve legal nuances and explain zonal development requirements only proceeded after the money was secured. The first official lawsuit against the Islamic Society of Boston was filed in September 2004 by James Policastro, a resident of Roxbury (Policastro v. Boston. No 044279C). His concern was not the religious beliefs behind the ISB, but rather that the city of Boston has unconstitutionally subsidized religion by accepting a price that differs substantially from the market value (Albright 2006). Policastro’s lawsuit was dropped by a state judge due to nominal evidence and precedent. Even though anti-Islamic interest groups were unable to legally challenge the project, opponents continued to mobilize against it. One particular organization that gained notoriety was Citizens for Peace and Tolerance (CTP) claiming the ISB was a radicalized branch of Islam in America (The Case Against the Islamic Society of Boston, 2016). In October 2004, CTP requested the City of Boston begin an investigation into anti-Israeli violence and ideologies. A letter by the ISB adamantly denying the accusations curtailed concerns. In response to persistent accusations, in May of 2005, the ISB decided to launch a reverse lawsuit against 16 institutions, including the CPT and local Boston media outlets on the basis of defamation and libel (Ballou 2007). During the lawsuit, heated argumentation in court and countless evidence dumps by both the ISB and the defendants further heightened the tension between the two parties; neither side was willing to admit defeat for two long years. In May of 2007, following the completion of the first stage of the mosque’s construction, the ISB dropped its lawsuit on all 16 institutions. Despite the protracted history of the public dispute, the 24 months following May of 2007 were peaceful. Vocal outcries by a minority still persisted, but these failed to gain traction in comparison to the mass public support of the Islamic Cultural Center. As the ICC’s doors were ceremonially opened in June of 2009, many local Muslims believed they finally triumphed in their quest of having a religious facility that heralds their presence (Paulson June 2009). Perhaps what was even more surprising was the eventual acceptance by seemingly the entire community; with local residents, rabbis, and Muslims all at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the ICC was ultimately embraced by the people of Roxbury and Greater Boston, even those that were initially skeptical. Looking back at the ISBCC in 2019, the project was definitely a success. However, there were some nerve-wracking moments; after the Boston Marathon bombings, significant hatred was directed towards the ICC — as the Tsarnaev brothers frequented the ICC, direct links of terrorism and the ISB were evoked. Nonetheless, the ISB Spiritual Board refused to concede to false narratives. Through a carefully crafted six-step plan (Mogahed 2017), the ISB was able to neutralize its reputation, rebuke any incorrect notions produced out of spite, and boost its public image. With ambitious yet situationally aware leaders at the helm of the ISB, the ISBCC continues to attract more and more attendees every year. References Enter list of sources cited using the proper format. <ul><li>Abel, D. (2007, June 28). In Roxbury, a call for religious tolerance - Interfaith groups at mosque site. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from <a href="https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020070628e36s0005x&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a">https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020070628e36s0005x&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a</a>.</li> <li>Albright, C. (2006, May 3). Boston Neighborhood Split on Mega-Mosque. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5379448">https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5379448</a>.</li> <li>Ballou, B. (2007, June 10). Canopy's rise signals end of mosque's plight. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from <a href="https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020070611e36a0000b&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a">https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020070611e36a0000b&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a</a>.</li> <li>Barlow, R. (2007, August 11). Boston takes on new religious profile. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from <a href="https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020070813e38b0001y&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a">https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020070813e38b0001y&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a</a>.</li> <li>DeMarco, P. (2002, November 8). A Mosque in the Making Ground Broken in Roxbury for Islamic Center. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from <a href="https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=bstngb0020021108dyb8000c3&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a">https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=bstngb0020021108dyb8000c3&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a</a>.</li> <li>Haq, H. (2009, May 10). Welcome Message ; After 20 years and a flurry of lawsuits, Boston Muslims quietly opened New England's largest mosque in September. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from <a href="https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020090622e55a0007r&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a">https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020090622e55a0007r&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a</a>.</li> <li>Mogahed, D. (Ed.). (2017, July 1). Reimagining Muslim Spaces. Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.ispu.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/RMS-ISBCC-Crisis-Management.pdf">https://www.ispu.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/RMS-ISBCC-Crisis-Management.pdf</a>.</li> <li>Paulson, M. (2008, September 15). Making peace, and prayers ; Mosque opens its doors as controversy fades. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from <a href="https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020080915e49f0003o&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a">https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020080915e49f0003o&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a</a>.</li> <li>Paulson, M. (2009, June 26). A call to prayer, a long quest fulfilled. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from <a href="http://archive.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/06/26/muslim_community_to_celebrate_mosque8217s_ceremonial_opening">http://archive.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/06/26/muslim_community_to_celebrate_mosque8217s_ceremonial_opening</a>.</li> <li>Paulson, M. (2009, January 19). United in prayers Inauguration messages transcend faiths. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from <a href="https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020090119e51j0000u&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a">https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020090119e51j0000u&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a</a>.</li> <li>Spitzer, T. (2009, July 5). Mosque's opening a milestone to be celebrated. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from <a href="https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020090713e575000ky&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a">https://global-factiva-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/du/article.aspx/?accessionno=BSTNGB0020090713e575000ky&fcpil=en&napc=S&sa_from=&cat=a</a>.</li> </ul>Additional Materials <ul><li>The Case Against the Islamic Society of Boston. (2016, April). Americans for Peace and Tolerance. Boston. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.peaceandtolerance.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/05/v2-FINAL-June-2016.pdf">https://www.peaceandtolerance.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/05/v2-FINAL-June-2016.pdf</a>.</li> <li>Wells, J. (2003, October 28). Radical Islam: Outspoken cleric, jailed activist tied to new Hub mosque. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1009964/posts">https://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1009964/posts</a>.</li> <li>Pipes, D. (2003, Oct 29). The Islamic Society of Boston & the Politicians' Red Faces. Updated Jun 22, 2016. DanielPipes.org [Blog]. Retrieved from. <a href="http://www.danielpipes.org/blog/2003/10/the-islamic-society-of-boston-the">http://www.danielpipes.org/blog/2003/10/the-islamic-society-of-boston-the</a>.</li> </ul>Video: The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (2017, November 2). How a Mosque Managed a Crisis [Video File]. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLolxllXMnU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLolxllXMnU</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Roxbury, MA Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource David Hu Description An account of the resource A documented account of Case No. MA_01, occurring in Roxbury, MA, 02120 from October 2003 to June 2009. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource David Hu https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/da658e3ff2756938cfbc856e4635b6dc.jpg d0594a7f55ffda37a879d3a685fd772a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Rivard, N. (2012). A model of the proposed Al Madany Islamic Center mosque that would be located at 127 Fillow St. [Online image]. Retrieved October 7, 2019 from https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Proposed-mosque-in-Norwalk-draws-controversy-3462899.php#photo-2783990. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Connecticut Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. CT_02 Location The location of the interview Norwalk, CT Date April 2012 - September 2014 Summary Enter a brief description of the case (no more than 600 characters). This should be one or two sentences. A Muslim community in Norwalk, Connecticut planned to build a 27,000 square foot mosque in a residential area of Norwalk (Rivard, 2012). The City of Norwalk held a hearing so Norwalk citizens could voice their opinion on the project as many were worried about increased traffic and disruption in a small neighborhood (Rivard, 2012). The Zoning Commission denied Al-Madany’s application and Al-Madany filed suit on religious discrimination charges. For two years, the case stayed on the docket and because it dealt with arguments of religious discrimination, the Department of Justice chose to step in and investigate the situation as well. As a result of increasing pressure to prevent Norwalk from spending millions on hearing the case as well as input from the DOJ, the two sides finally reached a settlement (Koch, 2012). However, citizens at the next public hearing were still concerned regarding the traffic on the two-lane road. The Common Council ultimately came up with a new settlement in which Al-Madany was paid roughly $1.3 million for dropping their charges and finding a new location for the mosque (Goetz, 2014; Greenwich Free Press, 2014). Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 127 Fillow St, Norwalk, CT 06850 Plus Code Enter the plus code for the location, if it is available. 4H96+59 Norwalk, Connecticut Proposed Project The plan was set for a facility of roughly 27,000 square feet, including a mosque, a school, a place for daily prayer and parking for up to 89 cars. It was estimated that during prayer times, around 1,000 members could potentially be at the mosque (Goetz, 2014; Rivard 2012). Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. <a href="https://almadany.org/">Al-Madany Islamic Center</a> Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Public Campaign; Local Ordinance Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications The project was delayed and the final proposed settlement that the commission approved required the City of Norwalk to pay close to $2 million. Norwalk’s insurer paid Al-Madany $300,000, while the City itself paid Al-Madany about $1 million (Goetz, 2014). The City also spent over half a million dollars to buy the disputed plot of land on Fillow Street and to pay Al-Madany for development expenses, once it found another mosque location (Goetz, 2014). Narrative Enter the narrative about the case here. Background on the Case Since the 1970s, the City of Norwalk’s Islamic community has grown larger and larger, to about 100 families in 2012. Muslim members of the community in Norwalk did not have a mosque, so they would worship in one of the congregant’s basement (Rivard, 2012). But by 2012, their community had grown so large that it was necessary that the members find a permanent, spacious location for their worship. They drew up plans to build a 27,000 square foot construction with a mosque, meeting hall, school, and parking lot with 89 spots. They settled on a location in a more residential area of Norwalk, where a little red farmhouse took up a plot of land on 127 Fillow Street (Rivard, 2012). The Muslim Community sent its application in to the Norwalk Zoning Commission in June 2012. The Commission denied the permit after a public hearing in which many Norwalk citizens declared their fervent disagreement with having the mosque in such a residential location (Koch, 2016; Rivard, 2012). The Muslim community then sued the Commission on discrimination charges and violation of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. Key Events April 4, 2012: The City of Norwalk held a public hearing so that community members could air their grievances about the proposed mosque. Most of the neighbors were concerned about traffic, as the road the mosque would be located on is a two lane road. Additionally, the neighbors argued, the traffic would be putting school children at risk near the street. Muslims pray five times per day, so presumably, there would be a higher influx of cars throughout the day, potentially putting pedestrians in danger (Koch, 2012). June 2012: The Zoning Commission denied the Islamic community a permit to build their mosque, and the community filed suit on religious discrimination charges. The Zoning Commission asserted their decision was not religiously motivated (Koch, 2012). December 2012: The City of Norwalk acknowledged that the U.S. Department of Justice was investigating the case (Koch, 2012). January 2013-July 2014: The case continued to stay on the docket, with both sides hiring more lawyers and preparing their case. There was increasing pressure to settle because hearing the case would cost the City of Norwalk millions. August 2014: The City of Norwalk and Al-Madany agreed on a proposal, pending approval by the Zoning Commission and Common Council, for a scaled-down mosque that was 22,000 square feet, with 135 parking spaces. The City of Norwalk and its insurer agreed to pay $300,000 to the congregation (CBS Local, 2014). September 4, 2014: At another public hearing in Norwalk with the community and the Zoning Commission and a Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act expert, many citizens still disagreed with the proposal, mostly because of traffic thought to be dangerous and disruptive in a residential neighborhood. Al-Madany had compromised at this point, saying that they would reduce the building mass by 11% by eliminating two floors. They also agreed to cut back the width by 4 feet (CBS Local, 2014). In order to combat the traffic argument, they agreed to hire a police officer to direct traffic during their days of celebration. After the public hearing, the Commission voted in favor of the settlement 4-3. It was the Common Council’s responsibility subsequently to negotiate the monetary terms (Greenwich Free Press, 2014). September 9, 2014: After hearing the complaints of the people at the Town Hall, the Common Council, even though the mosque location and design had been approved by the Zoning Commission, ultimately decided in a 14-0 decision that they would not allow Al-Madany to build on the Fillow Street property. The Islamic Center was paid reparations totaling roughly $1.3 million and the City helped them find a new location (CBS Local, 2014; Goetz, 2014). 2015: Al-Madany bought a plot of land in 2015 that had formerly belonged to the Christ Episcopal Church, who were very welcoming to the Islamic community when they said they wanted to buy the church (Chapman, 2015). The community still worships there today. It has been about 4 years since they moved in. Outcome & Lasting Effects The U.S. Department of Justice has “recommended” that the City of Norwalk and Zoning Committee reopen inquiries into the Zoning Regulations and initiate a Zoning reform to simplify the process for obtaining a special permit by updating criteria. In reality, Norwalk must take these “recommended” actions in order to avoid formal investigation by the DOJ (Koch, 2014). This push for a structural change in Zoning Regulations seems to be a debate that will continue for a number of years and will require multiple public hearings in the future (Koch, 2016a). References Enter list of sources cited using the proper format. Local <ul><li>Al-Madany (2018). Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://almadany.org/.</li> <li>CBS Local. (2014, September 9). Norwalk Common Council To Consider Mosque Plan Tuesday. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/09/09/norwalk-common-council-to-consider-mosque-plan-tuesday/.</li> <li>Chapman, N. (2015, November 12). Al Madany plans to make Union Park church into a mosque. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://www.nancyonnorwalk.com/2015/11/al-madany-plans-to-make-union-park-church-into-a-mosque/.</li> <li>Koch, R. (2012, December 11). Norwalk officials acknowledge Department of Justice is reviewing mosque denial. The Hour. Retrieved from https://www.thehour.com/norwalk/article/Norwalk-officials-acknowledge-Department-of-8229754.php.</li> <li>Koch, R. (2014, September 27). In wake of mosque battle, Norwalk to explore tougher rules for residential zones. The Hour. Retrieved from https://www.thehour.com/norwalk/article/In-wake-of-mosque-battle-Norwalk-to-explore-8097523.php.</li> <li>Koch, R (2016a, June 11). After mosque battle, city considers changing zoning regulations addressing special permits and places of worship. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://www.thehour.com/norwalk/article/After-mosque-battle-city-considers-changing-8045732.php.</li> <li>Koch, R. (2016b, June 13). U.S. District Court approves Al Madany settlement. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://www.thehour.com/norwalk/article/U-S-District-Court-approves-Al-Madany-settlement-8098561.php.</li> <li>(2014, September 5). Norwalk to Get a Mosque: Zoning Commission Votes 4 to 3 in Favor after Charged Public Hearing. Greenwich Free Press. Retrieved from https://greenwichfreepress.com/news/government/norwalk-to-get-a-mosque-zoning-commission-votes-4-to-3-in-favor-after-charged-public-hearing-22297/.</li> </ul>Regional <ul><li>Goetz, K. (2014, September 24). Norwalk settles mosque dispute with more than $2M payout. Retrieved from https://www.wshu.org/post/norwalk-settles-mosque-dispute-more-2m-payout#stream/0.</li> <li>Merriam, D., Seeman, E. (2014, September 18). City, Islamic Group Near Settlement in Mosque Suit; Proposed deal would curtail legal fees, end religious land use case. Retrieved October 3, 2019, from https://www.rluipa-defense.com/2014/09/city-islamic-group-near-settlement-in-mosque-suit-proposed-deal-would-curtail-legal-fees-end-religious-land-use-case.</li> <li>Rivard, N. (2012, April 6). Proposed mosque in Norwalk draws controversy. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Proposed-mosque-in-Norwalk-draws-controversy-3462899.php.</li> </ul> Last Updated Date revised. October 12, 2019 Year Year the case began. 2012 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Norwalk, CT Description An account of the resource A documented account of Case No. CT_02, occurring in Norwalk, CT, from June 2012 to September 2014 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ellen Harnisch DOJ Lawsuit (RLUIPA) https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/eea22fd50140634b1e53e7564a671a35.png e02e75849cbfa80b7cfb05071da7c05a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Gregory, C. (2016). What it Takes to Build a Mosque in New Hampshire. [Online image]. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-mosque-new-hampshire/">https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-mosque-new-hampshire</a>. https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/5227574b462ed3d1cd680d351c9e021c.png fa8b64d4fddf48f541f072585b847525 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Kreiter, S. (2017). Mohammad Islam, chairman of the local Islamic Society’s building committee, surveyed the unfinished structure [Online image]. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/10/14/muslims-pray-for-long-awaited-mosque-opening/Ece4uAs4HzA38j75jVyk7O/story.html">https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/10/14/muslims-pray-for-long-awaited-mosque-opening/Ece4uAs4HzA38j75jVyk7O/story.html</a> https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/0abd66ca6d05d73df30ed16239953629.png 23e35248378e5fb612c27dcd210cafe1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Kreiter, S. (2017). Habid Ullah, Islamic Society of New Hampshire member; Mohammad Ewiess, mosque board president; and Mahboubul Hassan, board member, examined the mosque [Online image]. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/10/14/muslims-pray-for-long-awaited-mosque-opening/Ece4uAs4HzA38j75jVyk7O/story.html">https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/10/14/muslims-pray-for-long-awaited-mosque-opening/Ece4uAs4HzA38j75jVyk7O/story.html</a>. https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/0939a75bcf89fc46b93580975971df91.png 65ff80c494ca896f1a046fa6f994e5cb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Gregory, C. (2016). Hassan. [Online image]. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-mosque-new-hampshire/">https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-mosque-new-hampshire</a>. https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/8867706f9159c67b931953cf0b490de4.png 62e5b050d1b2789d0ac9df081429daf5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Gregory, C. (2016). Mohammad Islam, a Bangladeshi émigré, is the building committee chiar. [Online image]. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-mosque-new-hampshire/">https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-mosque-new-hampshire</a>. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource New Hampshire Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. Nh_01 Location The location of the interview Manchester, NH Date 2003-2007 Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 19 Karatzas Ave, Manchester, NH 03104 Plus Code Enter the plus code for the location, if it is available. XHXM+WV Manchester, New Hampshire Coordinates Enter the coordinates for the location, if they are available. 42°59'59.2"N 71°24'55.1"W Proposed Project The Islamic Society of New Hampshire proposed the building of a 13,000-square-foot three-level building on a remote hillside property in Manchester, New Hampshire. If completed, the structure will have a prayer room, tutoring center, basement for meetings, kitchen, and a domed roof. Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. <a href="https://www.isofnh.org/">Islamic Society of New Hampshire</a> Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Vandalism/Threat; Legal Campaign/Lawsuit Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications Delayed but moving forward with some difficulty. Last Updated Date revised. October 26, 2019 Summary Enter a brief description of the case (no more than 600 characters). This should be one or two sentences. Residents of Greater Manchester, New Hampshire, have been trying to build a mosque for nearly two decades in hope of finding a fixed place to gather and pray. Many have tried to stop the construction, claiming the local Muslim population would put their health and safety at risk or even suggesting that the mosque would be used for underground terrorist activity. Starting in 2003, multiple lawsuits were filed by members of the community in hope of delaying the building and ultimately bringing both local and national attention to the controversy. By 2007, however, all suits had been dropped and the Society continued to build. Today, the Islamic Society of New Hampshire is still working on funding the mosque but the work is moving forward. Narrative Enter the narrative about the case here. The Islamic Society of New Hampshire In 1987, a Saudi Arabian student named Sheikh Ahmed Shedi began his undergraduate education at the New Hampshire College (now known as Southern New Hampshire University). He wanted to find a place in New Hampshire that could serve as a mosque for the growing local Muslim population. This space ended up being Shedi’s apartment (ISGM, 2012). Five years later, in 1992, Hussein A. Dayib from Kenya and Khurshid Alam from Pakistan took leadership of the new group and officially created the Muslim Student Association at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). The group struggled to find a suitable space for regular prayer and community organizing. They moved from Shedi’s apartment to an Audio-Visual Studio to a Dance Studio and finally to a room in SNHU’s New Hampshire hall on their North Campus in 1993 (ISGM, 2012). Two years later, the University decided to sell North Campus in a consolidation effort, leaving the Muslim Student Association stranded again. Over the following years, there was a significant influx of refugees from predominantly Muslim countries into the United States and New Hampshire. It wasn’t long until the Muslim Student Association became the Islamic Society of Greater Manchester (ISGM), a not-for-profit organization hoping to build New Hampshire’s first mosque. Mohamed Ewiess, current president of the Islamic Society, says the motive for this project comes from the Quran: “Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, then Allah will build for him a house like it in Paradise” (ISNH, 2019). That same year, in 1998, the Islamic Society purchased 2.75 acres of land on Karatzas Avenue, adding another acre in 2007, and began work on the mosque (ISGM, 2012). Building a Mosque on Bald Hill Trouble began for the Islamic Society of Greater Manchester (also known as Islamic Society of New Hampshire or ISNH) as soon as construction on their new land began at the start of 2003 (Hayward, June 2003). After the Islamic Society tore down the standing building, the city of Manchester insisted they couldn’t start construction until all property owners along the street spent over $500,000 in repairing Karatzas Avenue (Donahue, 2016). The city ultimately dismissed the case because the request was found to be unjustifiable, but the case raised awareness about possible financial complications for the Society in the future. They had expected the project to cost no more than $2 million, but even that proved to be a stretch. A core issue for ISNH was that a conventional interpretation of the Quran advises against taking interest-bearing loans, making fundraising extremely difficult for the Islamic Society (Hayward, May 2003). Instead, they began hosting annual fundraisers and have continued to host them for the past twenty years, bringing in about $150,000 for construction. While the fundraisers were significant events for the community, difficulties continued as they were not reaching their expected goals. Three months after signing an agreement with a local architect, the September 11th attacks took down the twin towers, and almost all outside funding for ISNH’s mosque disappeared (Jacobs, 2017). Still, the Society had allies. For example, Bob Baines, mayor of Manchester, NH from 2000 to 2006 spoke out in support of the Islamic Society’s plan: “Manchester has always been a city noted for its ability to accommodate a multiplicity of races, ethnicities, and religions” (Donahue, 2016). The local government overall has been supportive of ISNH’s plans in an attempt to integrate this Muslim community into their own. But the overwhelming response from neighbors and citizens of the area post-9/11 until around the year 2007 was negative. In 2003, a lawsuit was filed by Milton and Sally Argerious saying the Society’s mosque would be trespassing on their property (Hayward, May 2003). Two years later, a judge ruled against the couple and dropped all charges. Frank Scarito also filed a lawsuit in 2003 aiming to prove that in allowing the construction, Manchester was failing to “protect the public health, safety, and welfare” of its citizens (Donahue, 2016). In 2006, Doug Lambert, a local blogger, targeted the Islamic Society of New Hampshire in a post. He suggested that the mosque would serve as “ammo dumps and hideouts for murderous thugs,” and he compared ISNH to a Nazi organization (Lambert, 2006). Despite the hate and attempted blocks, four years after receiving their permit, the ISNH moved forward with construction in 2007. Current Status Since 2007, the Islamic Society of New Hampshire’s main issue has been funding. Area tradespeople took on some of the construction work, and annual fundraisers continued to raise money (Jacobs, 2017). By 2013, the exterior was complete, and now in 2019, the interior is cleaned up, and the ISNH is almost ready to receive full certificate of occupancy (ISNH, 2019). Due to the building’s vacancy over the past decade, it’s become a target. One year, two kids smashed almost all the windows causing over $30,000 in repairs. The Society says it’s also not uncommon to find evidence of trespassers on their property (Donahue, 2016).Additionally, Bald Hill, the mosque’s site, is an incredibly difficult piece of land with rocky outcrops and uneven ground. It has required extensive and expensive work to overcome. These setbacks, while individually minor, have only slowed the construction of Manchester’s mosque. Since the Society’s founding, three other mosques have been built in New Hampshire, but many members of Manchester’s Muslim community are still hopeful. Twenty years later, ISNH has raised around $1.5 million but needs another $2.5 million to complete the project (Jacobs, 2017). Today, the congregation has grown from only 25 families in 1998 to almost two hundred with citizens from over 25 countries (Donahue, 2016). ISNH moved into the first floor of three, at the end of 2018, but full completion of the mosque is still on a distant horizon (Garrova, 2018). References Enter list of sources cited using the proper format. Local <ul><li>Garrova, R. (2018, June 12). Breaking Fast in A Mini-Mall, Manchester Muslims Hope to Move into New Mosque Soon. New Hampshire Public Radio. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.nhpr.org/post/breaking-fast-mini-mall-manchester-muslims-hope-move-new-mosque-soon#stream/0">https://www.nhpr.org/post/breaking-fast-mini-mall-manchester-muslims-hope-move-new-mosque-soon#stream/0</a>.</li> <li>Hayward, M. (2003, May 9). Mosque proposal prompts a debate. New Hampshire Union Leader (Manchester, NH). Available from NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current: <a href="https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=%22Mosque%20proposal%20prompts%20a%20debate%22&fld-base-0=alltext&bln-base-1=and&val-base-1=2003&fld-base-1=YMD_date&docref=news/0FAF0D06BAD6D2BB#copy">https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=&sort=YMD_date%3AD&maxresults=20&f=advanced&val-base-0=%22Mosque%20proposal%20prompts%20a%20debate%22&fld-base-0=alltext&bln-base-1=and&val-base-1=2003&fld-base-1=YMD_date&docref=news/0FAF0D06BAD6D2BB#copy</a></li> <li>Hayward, M. (2003, June 27). Mosque gets permits, but issues remain. New Hampshire Union Leader (Manchester, NH). Available from NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current: <a href="https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/0FC029BE9C7638CA">https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/0FC029BE9C7638CA</a>.</li> <li>Islamic Society of Greater (2012, January 12). History of the Islamic Society of Greater Manchester (ISGM). Islamic Society of Greater Manchester. Retrieved from <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120113004416/http:/www.isgm.net/Aboutus/index.php?mid=4">https://web.archive.org/web/20120113004416/http://www.isgm.net/Aboutus/index.php?mid=4#</a>.</li> <li>Islamic Society of New Hampshire, ISNH. (2019). Islamic Society of New Hampshire. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.isofnh.org/">https://www.isofnh.org/</a>.</li> <li>Lambert, D. (2006, June 22). Harmless as a "Modest Maiden". Granite Grok: Dominating the Political Bandwidth in New Hampshire. Retrieved from <a href="https://granitegrok.com/blog/2006/06/post_4">https://granitegrok.com/blog/2006/06/post_4</a>.</li> <li>Wang, B., & Associated Press. (2005, March 28). Islamic Community Putting Down Roots. Concord Monitor. Retrieved from <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120509191933/http:/www.concordmonitor.com/article/islamic-community-putting-down-roots">https://web.archive.org/web/20120509191933/http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/islamic-community-putting-down-roots</a>.</li> </ul>National <ul><li>Donahue, B. (2016, August 16). What it Takes to Build a Mosque in New Hampshire. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-mosque-new-hampshire/">https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-mosque-new-hampshire/</a>.</li> <li>Jacobs, S. (2017, October 14). Muslims in New Hampshire pray for long-stalled mosque's opening. The Boston Globe. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/10/14/muslims-pray-for-long-awaited-mosque-opening/Ece4uAs4HzA38j75jVyk7O/story.html">https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/10/14/muslims-pray-for-long-awaited-mosque-opening/Ece4uAs4HzA38j75jVyk7O/story.html</a>.</li> <li>Stevens, R. (2015, November 9). A mosque grows slowly amid opposition in New Hampshire. The Eagle-Tribune. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.eagletribune.com/news/new_hampshire/a-mosque-grows-slowly-amid-opposition-in-new-hampshire/article_8db5e937-53ee-5cfa-8d99-eb3ddec4eca1.html">https://www.eagletribune.com/news/new_hampshire/a-mosque-grows-slowly-amid-opposition-in-new-hampshire/article_8db5e937-53ee-5cfa-8d99-eb3ddec4eca1.html</a>.</li> </ul> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Manchester, NH Description An account of the resource A documented account of Case No. NH_01, occurring in Manchester, NH, 03104 from 2003 to 2007 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Eve Berrie https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/f01b672fcefada7be1f65a7897fba8bc.jpg e82a52b20a2279a8cb4e1af388b09401 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.facebook.com/Islamic-Center-of-Henrico-Masjid-Al-Falah-1507292772815596/photos/a.1507294112815462/1507294119482128 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Virginia Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) VA_01 Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 7705 Impala Dr, Richmond, VA 23228 Date 2008 Location The location of the interview Richmond, VA (Henrico County) Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richmond, VA Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Description An account of the resource In 2008, the Islamic Center of Henrico submits a proposal to rezone a 5.2-acre lot to build a 10,000-square-foot mosque and community center. Mosque opponents raise concerns about increased noise and traffic. After Henrico County denies the application, the center sues the county, alleging religious discrimination. In March 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice opens an investigation into the county’s denial and subsequently files a separate federal suit, noting that the county had never denied a zoning application submitted by a Christian church. The lawsuits are settled out of court after the county approves a new rezoning application for the mosque property in August 2011 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ezoza Eshova, Madeleine Kleinerman, Indar Ramlal, and Kenneth Wingate Approved Built DOJ Islamic Center Lawsuit (RLUIPA) Planning and Zoning Public Campaign REL383_SP22 https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/88a8b93da67aef0d007341e0931954e8.jpg 7b9ca8fafb588e967c5ffcda18e3c476 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Georgia Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. Ga_06 Location The location of the interview Kennesaw, Cobb County, GA Date November 2014-April 2015 Summary Enter a brief description of the case (no more than 600 characters). This should be one or two sentences. A Muslim community from Kennesaw, Ga, intends to convert a space in a strip mall into a storefront masjid after realizing that the distance of other masjids make attending congregational Jummah (Friday) prayers inaccessible to many of those with commitments. Upon proposing this plan to the Kennesaw City Council, they are asked to attend a public hearing. This is unprecedented, as a strip mall Pentecostal church was recently approved without a hearing. Regardless, the masjid’s board members agree. Although this is intended to be a board meeting to discuss zoning concerns, it is clear that oppositions fueled with Islamophobia take the stage. An amended version of the masjid’s motion is denied 2-3; the original plan is then revisited, yet once again denied 4-1. Two weeks later, after media attention at the local and national levels, the original motion is approved unanimously. The masjid’s board members (with the assistance of the Department of Justice) file a successful lawsuit to avoid any denial or discrimination in the future. Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 2750 Jiles Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144 Plus Code Enter the plus code for the location, if it is available. 29FG+R8 Kennesaw, Georgia Proposed Project 2200 sq. ft space in a strip mall, with two separate entrances for men and women; occupancy of maximum 150 people; expected amount for daily prayers is 10-20; 60-80 at peak Friday times; appropriate amount of parking spaces Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. Masjid Suffah Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Local ordinance (public protest), zoning dispute Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications Denied, then approved Narrative Enter the narrative about the case here. Masjid Board Members Create Proposal For members of the Kennesaw’s Muslim community, the closest masjid that they could attend was about a 30-minute drive. This meant an hour for commute alone, not including unanticipated traffic flow, in addition to the prayer service which lasts roughly another hour. For those in the community with workplace commitments or childcare obstacles, this meant missing what is considered the most important prayer in Islam: Jummah prayers. Jummah prayers are congregational prayers that take place on Fridays, in the way that Christians come together on Sundays. However, inaccessibility unfortunately made Kennesaw’s Muslim residents miss Jummah prayer. Five members of the community realized that they could seize the opportunity to establish a masjid in Kennesaw to make it easier for Muslim residents to attend congregational prayers (personal communication, March 1, 2019). They found a suitable space in a strip mall alongside other small businesses to convert into a storefront mosque. Petition to City Council for Temporary Use Permit Issues surrounding the permitting process for Masjid Suffah were numerous. Starting with meetings between Masjid officials and city councilmembers in early November and progressing through a city council meeting on November 17, the acceptance of the application was dragged out. The process had no precedent. Space in a similar shopping center had been let out to a Pentecostal Church less than six months prior (Brangham 2014, Dec 20). The board members of the masjid attended the city council meeting on November 17 during which public comment was invited. The board members remember the majority of queries at the meeting were about Islam and not about zoning issues (personal conversation, March 1, 2019). The city council decided the table the issue for two weeks until the next regularly scheduled meeting on December 1 and asked the applicants to have information meetings (public hearing) with their neighbors in the interim. During the follow-up meeting of the city council on December 1st, the attorney acting on behalf of the city, Randall Bentley, asked the masjid if they were willing to agree to several stipulations, including a maximum Land Use permit of 24 months, a cap on the number of attendants and parking spaces, and a promise not to challenge the city legally under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, which protects religious buildings like Masjid Suffah from discrimination under zoning and landmarking laws. The masjid agreed, and this amended motion was proposed by Councilmember Welsh and seconded by Council member Killingsworth. It failed by a 2-3 margin, with only Welsh and Killingsworth in support. The motion to retain the original plans for the masjid construction was then voted on and failed 4-1, with only Councilmember Welsh in favor. Councilmember Welsh, the only initial “yes” vote and herself a devout Catholic, reported that after her “yes” vote, her private information, including her home address, Facebook, and pictures of her children had been released on a hate site. Despite “being rattled” by the negative attention, hate, and threats from her constituents (Brangham 2014, Dec 20). Reversal of City Council Vote and Lawsuit Exactly two weeks from the first vote, the original motion was passed unanimously, although not without significant difficulty. The threat of a lawsuit from the masjid and the potential involvement of a federal judge put significant pressure on the Council to rectify its actions. The additional fact of masjid officials being in contact with the Department of Justice, even unofficially, made it extremely politically fraught for the Council not to allow construction. Following the reversal, the masjid decided to sue the City Council to prevent further action from being taken against the masjid. Dillard, an attorney who has previously won similar cases in Alpharetta and Marietta, known as a religious freedom expert, submitted the filing on December 30th (Klepal 2015, Jan 1). Public Protest Some of the key issues community members brought up in the initial City Council Meeting on November 17, 2014, explored the idea of traffic congestion, availability of parking, community and business disturbances, and the masjid’s effects on the commercial activities at the shopping center. David Nicholas, a community member, argued, “It is a retail space and compatibility may be an issue. Section e-6 addresses adequate parking and 60-80 people will attend but will be there at various times during the day. If there are 127 parking spaces, that many people will be more than half of the available parking. Growth does not seem limited” (Kennesaw City Council Hearing, Nov 17, 2014, p.11). Maria Nicholas, the wife of David Nicholas, also addressed the issue of public disturbances that could be seen within areas like nursing homes. She posed questions regarding noise levels from traffic and the mosque itself that could be a potential hazard to the elderly (ibid.). Owners of several stores pondered the question of what the mosque would or would not bring to their businesses and the possibility. In response to the issues raised at the meeting, Attorney Dillard argued for the leasing of the permit due to the fact that zoning cannot be denied over the fear of traffic and anticipated parking issues (ibid.). Several questions about the type of religious practice at the proposed masjid were voiced at the city council meeting on November 17 but resurfaced with greater intensity at the mandated public hearing Monday, November 24 (Galloway 2014, Dec 5). The subsequent city council meeting on December 1 did not allow public comment but protesters gathered outside city hall before the session with signs reading “Ban Islam,” and “Islam wants no peace.” Protesters also held American flags as well as the old Georgia state flag that includes the Confederate battle flag. Some protester openly carried firearms (ibid.) Aftermath The masjid’s journey extended far past issues of zoning and local xenophobia. Media attention at the local and national levels propelled this case into discussions of religious freedom and the true impact of the First Amendment. Reporting done by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Huffington Post, and PBS highlighted the importance of the Kennesaw case after a long battle against not only the city council but also against protestors from the Kennesaw area as well from areas farther away. After a difficult beginning, the mosque is now successful and has brought together the Muslim community of Kennesaw in even greater ways. Since the issues with city council, Masjid Suffah opened up the storefront mosque and members are currently finishing up interior development. They regularly hold daily worship sessions, including the Friday prayers. Other activities at the masjid include meals to mark the end of Ramadan fasting and donations to surrounding underserved communities. Building a Permanent Space Members of this masjid have initiated plans to build a large, permanent multi-purpose space of 3.5 acres and 200 parking spaces for both regular worship and for children to play. Zoning and budget affairs have already been worked out and architecture plans have been submitted to the city council. The project is also privately funded, making it difficult to predict when it will be completed. Masjd Suffah continues to face some of the same obstacles with parking concerns from residents and permit issues delaying construction. References Enter list of sources cited using the proper format. Local: Selby, Emily (2016, July 05). Kennesaw mosque thriving after bumpy beginning. Marietta Daily Journal. Web. Regional <ul> <li>Galloway, Jim (2014, December 3). Behind Kennesaw's rejection of a storefront mosque. The Atlanta Journal Constitution. Web.</li> <li>Klepal, Dan (2014, December 31). Federal lawsuit filed as precaution over Kennesaw mosque. The Atlanta Journal Constitution. Web.</li> </ul> National <ul> <li>Brangham, William (2014, December 20). Freedom of religion? Mosque debate in Georgia town reveals sharp divide. PBS News Hour Weekend. Web.</li> <li>Shahshahani, Azadeh (2015, March 11). Mosque Controversy in Georgia. Huffington Post. Web.</li> </ul> Local Government Documents <ul> <li>City of Kennesaw (2014, November 17). Minutes of Mayor & City Council Meeting. City of Kennesaw. Web.</li> <li>City of Kennesaw (2014, December 1). Minutes of Mayor & City Council Meeting. City of Kennesaw. Web.</li> </ul> Last Updated Date revised. August 23, 2019 Year Year the case began. 2014 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Kennesaw, GA Description An account of the resource A documented account of Case No. GA_06, occurring in Kennesaw, GA. 30144 in Cobb County from November 2014 to April 2015 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Fardowsa Ahmed, Neha Ali, Rukmini Kalamangalam, Em Persaud, and Ninika Osuji Approved Built DOJ Lawsuit (RLUIPA) Mosque Planning and Zoning Public Campaign https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/a98ba9e17e53af7a0227cbfe5b7de890.jpeg 0ec0ff316857cace1cefdf1d1d929b18 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource This collection documents 29 cases of public opposition towards American Muslim cemetery building projects from 2002 to 2023. Each case contains a narrative that describes its events, which was compiled through analyzing newspaper archives via NewsBank and NexisUni. The primary challenge American Muslim communities face when establishing cemeteries is obtaining administrative approval from an entity such as a city council or board of commissioners. Residents' concerns related to groundwater contamination, lowered property values, and aesthetics often pressure authorities to deny cemetery projects. These reasons for opposition differ from those involving mosques, which tend to focus on increased traffic, violations of noise ordinances, and the potential for terrorism. This collection is more comprehensive than other compilations of cemetery cases, which cover a limited timeframe, are no longer current, or need to be updated (e.g., Pew Research Center 2012, Younes 2017, ACLU 2017, New America 2018, HuffPost 2024). However, it does not fully represent all controversies surrounding American Muslim cemeteries, as it focuses on post-2000 cases and does not include cases of vandalism against established cemeteries. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ryan Wang Title A name given to the resource Cemeteries Language A language of the resource English Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Current and former Oxford College of Emory University students: Sofia Fonti, Ben Damon, Geneva Cunningham, Ameer Alnasser, Nadira Hassan, Chloe Peyrebrune, Lauren Yee, Ammarah Ahmed, Alexander Cleveland, Ehren Fernandez, Andres Lebed Wright, Bryce Bentinck, Rahim Khan Alidina, Ayman Badawy, George Drakos, Shahmeer Khan, and Snehitha Vardhineni. Project supervisor: Dr. Florian Pohl Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. Ga_09 Location The location of the interview Newton County, Georgia Date August-September 2016 Summary Enter a brief description of the case (no more than 600 characters). This should be one or two sentences. A Muslim community from Doraville encounters strong expressions of concern about their efforts to purchase property on the eastern side of Newton County where they intend to build a Muslim burial ground and mosque. Public opposition begins to be voiced after a local newspaper reports on the building project in early August. In reaction, Newton County’s Board of Commissioners imposes a moratorium on building permits for new places of worship and, a week later, holds public listening sessions on the issue. A subsequent BOC meeting to discuss lifting the moratorium is canceled because of security concerns over a demonstration by a militia group. The moratorium expires without any direct BOC action. The event receives national, and some international, news coverage. The cemetery project proceeds but the county passes a new ordinance requiring public hearings for the development of projects on sites of more than ten acres. Plus Code Enter the plus code for the location, if it is available. F3MJ+95 Oak Hill, Georgia Coordinates Enter the coordinates for the location, if they are available. 33°29'01.3"N 83°55'10.3"W Proposed Project 135-acre development for cemetery; future mosque, cemetery expansion, school as well as residential and open space Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. Al Maad Al Islami Inc., Masjid At-Taqwa Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Local Ordinance (Public Protest) Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications The public campaign and actions by the Newton County Board of Commissioners slightly delayed the project, but the cemetery opened to begin operations in 2017. Narrative Enter the narrative about the case here. On August 9, 2016, local journalist Alice Queen reported that Al Maad Al Islami Inc., a non-profit organization from Doraville, had received administrative approval from Newton County to develop a 135-acre property for a mosque and cemetery (Queen, 2016, Aug 9). Current zoning regulations did not require rezoning to construct a religious site. The developer purchased the property in August 2015 and submitted preliminary conceptual plans for a 10.5-acre cemetery with a burial preparation accessory facility. Also included in the plans was space for a future mosque, cemetery expansion, school, and residential and open space. The announcement triggered significant public opposition, particularly concerning the lack of prior public knowledge and potential increases in traffic and noise (ibid.). Commissioner John Douglas, whose district the project was in, received numerous complaints from residents. He voiced concerns about the project's impact and suggested changing zoning ordinances for future developments. Douglas also questioned the need for such a development based on the Muslim population in the county. He speculated about the possibility of the federal government resettling refugees in the area. Asked Douglas, "[W]ould building those things make us a prime area for the federal government to resettle refugees from the Middle East?" (Queen, 2016, Aug 9). Emails made public later revealed Chairman Ellis's struggle in responding to the project. Ellis emphasized that while the mosque and cemetery required no approval, a conditional use permit would be necessary for the school. In a later interview with Public Radio International, Ellis admitted that "[a]s a Christian, I probably reacted in some of the same ways. I will have to admit that I was a little nervous for the future of Newton County" (Bell, 2016, Nov 30). Douglas was more direct in his approach and asked the Board of Commissioners to put the cemetery project on the agenda for the next meeting on August 16, 2016. In an email to a member of the local clergy, he urged, "[A] show of local residents would be helpful to back up our displeasure and desire to change the direction of this project" (Tegna, 2016, Sep 5). On August 16, 2016, a boisterous overflow crowd attended the Newton County Board of Commissioners meeting to express their anger over the project. During the meeting, Commissioner Douglas proposed, and the commissioners unanimously approved a five-week moratorium on permitting places of worship to review and amend zoning ordinances. Although the decision to impose the moratorium was greeted with cheers from many in attendance, the Georgia Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-GA) later described the action as discriminatory and called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the case. Finally, because no public comment was allowed at this BOC meeting, the commissioners decided to hold a public hearing on Monday, August 22, in a public venue large enough to accommodate the interested public. Following the BOC meeting, oppositional momentum picked up on social media. A Facebook group calling itself STOP the Mosque in Newton County established itself as the most influential social media site through which opponents expressed their hostility to the project and organized action seeking to prevent it from going forward. This group gained significant traction and was later listed as an anti-Muslim hate group by the<a href="https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/anti-muslim"> Southern Poverty Law Center</a>. In contrast, three Facebook groups supporting the mosque emerged but attracted far less attention. More than 600 citizens attended the public hearings on August 22, 2016. Due to limited space in the Historic Courthouse, two successive seatings were scheduled. Most speakers voiced strong opposition, with concerns ranging from traffic to fears of terrorism. Anxiety that the project would serve as an Al-Qaeda training camp or that it would lead to the imposition of Sharia law in the community could be heard as well (Bluestein, 2016, Aug 23). The public meetings received unflattering national press coverage (Islamophobia in the age of Trump, 2016, Aug 23). In response to the public hearing, CAIR Georgia held a joint press conference at the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam with the Georgia NAACP and other organizations on August 23. The press conference addressed the Islamophobic statements heard at the town hall meeting the previous night. It also provided an update on the DOJ's response to CAIR's call for a federal investigation. Edward Mitchell, Executive Director of CAIR-GA, said that the DOJ had agreed to review CAIR's request and was deciding whether to begin a formal probe. Mitchell also reported on local outreach activities to churches and community leaders in Newton County. At the same time as the press conference, a delegation of Newton County clergy and residents followed a lunch invitation from Imam Mohammad Islam to visit the Doraville community at Masjid At-Taqwa to get to know each other and build mutual trust (Lutz, Aug 23, 2016). The following week, the Newton County commissioners met with Masjid At-Taqwa and CAIR-GA representatives in closed-door meetings. The talks resulted in a joint statement on August 31, 2016, indicating that the moratorium would likely be lifted at a special meeting on September 13 (Burns, 2016, Aug 31). However, due to security concerns following threats from a militia group, the BOC canceled its meeting. The moratorium eventually expired on September 21, 2016, and CAIR-GA withdrew its request for a federal investigation. Despite this resolution, international press coverage continued after the moratorium's expiration (Teague, 2016, Oct 13; Younes, 2016, Nov 7). Following the moratorium's expiration, Commissioner Douglas made one more attempt to stop the project by requesting the county change its cemetery ordinance to require "leak-proof" caskets and vaults. Georgia law does not mandate embalming or caskets for burial. The planning board rejected Douglas's proposal at its October 25 meeting. Construction of the Daarul Barzakh Cemetery moved forward in the spring of 2017. An access road to the cemetery property was built, and the first funerals occurred. Outreach efforts by the members of Masjid At-Taqwa also continued. On April 21, 2018, the Muslim community invited its neighbors around the cemetery property and interested residents to a meet-and-greet luncheon. The gathering was preceded by a service event that was part of the Great American Cleanup, locally organized by Keep Covington and Newton Beautiful (KCNB). Three Oxford College students who participated in the event later published an op-ed piece about their experience in a local newspaper (Pace, 2018, May 21). Daarul Barzakh Cemetery remains operational, with plans for a funeral home as part of the next development stage. References <ul> <li style="font-weight:400;">Bell, M. (2016, November 30). A planned Muslim cemetery and mosque outside of Atlanta is still on hold. PRI’s The World. <a href="https://www.wgbh.org/news/2016-12-01/a-planned-muslim-cemetery-and-mosque-outside-of-atlanta-is-still-on-hold">Web</a>.</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">Bluestein, G. (2016, August 23). Feds weigh whether to investigate Newton County mosque debate. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. <a href="https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/feds-weigh-whether-investigate-newton-county-mosque-debate/ePAScV95yxfH6eig99S43O/">Web</a>.</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">Burns, S. (2016, August 31). Newton County to lift moratorium on mosque, cemetery. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. <a href="https://www.ajc.com/news/local/newton-county-lift-moratorium-mosque-cemetery/BwSidKGAaY00D8cPeQlbWI/">Web</a>.</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">Islamophobia in the age of Trump. (2016, August 23). The Economist. <a href="https://www.economist.com/democracy-in-america/2016/08/23/islamophobia-in-the-age-of-trump">Web</a>.</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">Lutz, M. (2016, August 23). Newton County mosque fight might draw federal scrutiny. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. <a href="https://www.ajc.com/news/local-govt--politics/newton-county-mosque-fight-might-draw-federal-scrutiny/5G0BS4JQZaAiR8smtK6rtO/">Web</a>.</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">Pace, L. (2018, May 21). Students share experience with Great American Cleanup,” [Column] The Covington News. <a href="https://www.covnews.com/living/religion/pace-students-share-experience-great-american-cleanup/">Web</a>.</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">Queen, A. (2016, August 9). Nonprofit plans to build mosque on Ga. Highway 162 in Newton County. Rockdale Citizen. <a href="https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/local/nonprofit-plans-to-build-mosque-on-ga-highway-162-in-newton-county/article_70b245e8-0979-54d3-9061-319302b83972.html">Web</a>.</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">Tegna (2016, September 5). Emails: Newton Commissioners wanted to ‘impact’ mosque, cemetery project. 11 Alive News. <a href="https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/emails-newton-commissioner-wanted-to-impact-mosque-cemetery-project/85-313972997">Web</a>.</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">Teague, M. (2016, October 13). Armed ‘3%’ militia fights against proposed mosque in tiny Georgia town. The Guardian. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/oct/13/three-percent-militia-georgia-muslim-mosque-isis-doraville#:~:text=Armed%20'3%25'%20militia%20fights%20against%20proposed%20mosque%20in%20tiny%20Georgia%20town,-This%20article%20is&text=A%20Muslim%20congregation%20in%20central,ground%20for%20the%20Islamic%20State.">Web</a>.</li> <li style="font-weight:400;">Younes, A. (2016, November 7). American Muslims brace for the worst after US election. Aljazeera. <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2016/11/7/american-muslims-brace-for-the-worst-after-us-election">Web</a>.</li> </ul> Last Updated Date revised. June 10, 2024 Year Year the case began. 2016 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Newton County, GA Description An account of the resource A Doraville Muslim community meets public resistance to buying land in Newton County for a burial ground. Due to controversy, the county pauses worship building permits and holds public listening sessions about the proposed project. A subsequent BOC meeting to discuss lifting the moratorium is canceled because of security concerns over a demonstration by a militia group. The event gains national and international news coverage. The cemetery project advances, prompting a new county ordinance mandating hearings for projects on sites over ten acres. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Florian Pohl Approved Built CAIR Cemetery Legislation Planning and Zoning Public Campaign Public Speech https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/657e345e39c4d74d30bd4d2d4824fd17.png 69cdc1bafa7853e83d78b50b5c2e9b26 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Tennessee Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) TN_04 Date 2014 Year Year the case began. 2014 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Nashville, TN Description An account of the resource In December 2016, a federal district court in Tennessee dismisses for lack of subject matter jurisdiction a claim by the Islamic Center of Nashville (ICN) lawsuit challenging a Tennessee property tax exemption law on religious freedom grounds. In February 2014, ICN sought a property tax exemption for its education building, to be applied retroactively, seeking continuity of exempt status as provided by Tenn. Code Ann. 67-5-212(b)(3)(B). The State Board of Equalization denied tax exempt status for the period prior to October 2013, when the Ijara payments were ongoing, but granted exemption from that time onward. ICN appealed the decision before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in January 2015, and after receiving an unfavorable ruling, appealed again to the Tennessee Assessment Appeals Committee, which also found that ICN was not entitled to the exemption prior to October 2013 due to the transfer of property in the Ijara agreement. [Source: www.rluipa-defense.com] Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Florian Pohl Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Lawsuit (RLUIPA) School