PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
Tell GW University Not to End All-Female Swim Hour for Muslim Women
  1. Signatures
    483 out of 500
    Petitioning
    1. Director of Athletics (+ 3 others)
      Petitioning
      close
      • Director of Athletics (Jack Kvancz)
      • Associate Athletic Director/Facilities (Jason Wilson)
      • Director of Recreational Sports (Aubre Jones)
      • Dean of Students (Office of Dean of Students)
  2. Created By
    Pema Levy
    Washington, DC
About this Petition Petition Letter

In March, The George Washington University instituted an female-only swim hour so that Muslim women could swim without violating Islamic rules about modesty. The swim hour allows women who could not swim to enjoy the university's fascilities and exercise.

However, news of the program is making waves online, where many fear "creeping sharia" (the idea that Muslim culture is taking over American life). Obviously, this is a gesture of support to minority members of the university community, something we have done for centuries to accomodate many religions.

As the university reviews its policy, let them know that the all-female swim hour is an important step towards making higher education and our society overall a welcoming and unoppressive place for Muslim women and all minorities.

Photo: Foxtongue

 

Recent Signatures

Dear Members of the Athletics Department and Office of the Dean

Greetings,

I am writing this letter to offer my support of your decision to create a female-only swim hour, allowing Muslim female students the opportunity to enjoy GWU's swimming facilities and making sure the university's resources are open to everyone.

A lot of criticism has circulated online regarding the policy, and many intolerant views are circulating on the Internet. However, we know that GWU is dedicated to providing and inclusive and compassionate community that reaches out to minority students and welcomes everyone's differences -- as the creation of the female-only swim hour demonstrates.

As the university reviews its policy and receives criticism from individuals outside the community, this letter is to ask you to defend and keep in place a program which empowers a minority to be full members of the university community and take control of their health and exercise in the same way that everyone else on campus does. Thank you for your policy, which recognizes and accepts our different tradition. Please continue to allow Muslim women at GWU the chance to swim, because a choice between religious values and exercise is no choice at all.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

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