Assalamu Alaykum / Peace Be Upon You,  
We, the undersigned members of the Muslim Student Association and the broader Muslim community at Georgia State University, urgently seek your support to safeguard our prayer room on the fourth floor of the Student Center. With the holy month of Ramadan rapidly approaching, the imminent threat of demolition of this sacred space jeopardizes the spiritual well-being of over 2000+ students who rely on it to fulfill their religious obligations from dawn to dusk.  

Our prayer room transcends its physical dimensions; it embodies the very essence of our community—a sanctuary where we find solace, cultivate bonds, and fortify our spiritual connection. Every 15 to 20 minutes, this space witnesses a surge of devout individuals, with an average of 30-35 Muslims, united in worship and faith. Its loss would be nothing short of severing a vital lifeline that sustains us through the rigors of academic life. 

Moreover, the lack of clarity and viable alternatives compounds our distress. We were not notified of any prohibition on prayer or provided with adequate alternatives. Instead, we were given a strict deadline while presented with a vague idea of an uncertain plan. The proposed alternatives are not just inconvenient; they are disruptive, threatening to disband our congregational prayers—an essential facet of our religious practice. Such disruption reverberates beyond the spiritual realm, encroaching upon our academic, social, and religious spheres, unsettling every Muslim on campus.

 
This transcends mere accommodation; it embodies the very essence of fundamental human rights and the sanctity of religious freedom. In these trying times, security and representation are paramount; it is an emblem of hope amidst a world fraught with uncertainty and unrest. The prayer room serves as a stronghold of identity for Panthers at GSU—a haven where we feel secure and duly represented. 

We seek a resolution that meets the needs of the University Administration and the student body. We urge the University Administration to repeal their eviction date (May 10th, 2024) for our prayer room until they have presented us with an approved plan that meets all our faith-based imperatives. Additionally, we call for the GSU administration to directly engage with the Muslim student body’s concerns. 

Your backing and intervention are indispensable. We implore you to stand in solidarity with us to preserve the sanctity of the prayer room, thereby safeguarding Georgia State University's commitment to inclusivity and respect for all faiths. By standing united with us, you are not just advocating for the rights of Muslim students at Georgia State University; you are championing the universal ideals of justice and equality. 
Your support is vital as we strive to uphold these fundamental values. Let us work together to ensure that the sanctity of our prayer room remains intact for generations to come. 

Clarification: this eviction is for every Registered Student Organization (RSO) room on the fourth floor. This petition is specifically for our space as our room is the most used due to our religious obligations and needs  

Sincerely, 
Representatives of the Muslim Student Body at Georgia State University  

For any concerns, comments, or further ways to help spread the word, contact Reem at rmohammed7@student.gsu.edu or reemaddous@yahoo.com