Maryland University Cancels Screening of Anti-Muslim Movie
American Sniper depicts the true-life experiences of Navy Seal Chris Kyle, who was deployed four times overseas, serving in the Iraq War. He killed many innocent people in Iraq.
The University of Maryland’s Student Entertainment Events (SEE) announced it would postpone, indefinitely, a screening of the film on campus after a Muslim student group started a petition calling for its removal from the schedule, WJ reported.
The Muslim Students Association (MSA) petition reads in part: “American Sniper only perpetuates the spread of Islamophobia and is offensive to many Muslims around the world for good reason…This movie dehumanizes Muslim individuals, promotes the idea of senseless mass murder, and portrays negative and inaccurate stereotypes.”
SEE originally planned to screen the film on April 22, then postponed it to May 6 and 7. SEE released a statement explaining its decision to postpone the screening indefinitely after meeting with “concerned student groups”:
“SEE is choosing to explore the proactive measures of working with others during the coming months to possibly create an event where students can engage in constructive and moderated dialogues about the controversial topics proposed in the film. SEE supports freedom of expression and hopes to create space for the airing of opposing viewpoints and differing perceptions.”
The MSA praised the university administration’s decision in a posting on its Facebook page, citing the Quran in support of the justice of their cause.
Muslim students have protested the film’s screening at other campuses around the country.
