The members of Masjid King Khalid are asking for nationwide support in their efforts to reopen the mosque located within Shaw University. For decades they have worshiped there following its establishment by means of Muslim dollars. Almost three years ago, the administration closed the doors of many campus buildings. citing concerns over COVID-19.

Today, the Masjid doors are still closed to the public while the Chapel on the university's campus holds services open to the public. The Muslim community has expressed its discontent with this double standard to David Byrd of Shaw's administration. He stated that because the Chapel's services are conducted by university employees and students, they are allowed to do what the mosque cannot. At the same time, his official statement to the media cites the pandemic as the reason why the Muslims are still locked out. Is there something about being a university employee or student that prevents the spread of COVID-19 when conducting religious services? If not, why does David Byrd repeat that justification?

Shaw University was founded on the Baptist faith, which believes in the following words of Jesus: “I was a stranger, and you took me in…” (Matthew 25:35). A similar emphasis on diversity and hospitality is found in the Quran: “O men! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another.” (Quran 49:13)

As Muslims, Christians, and followers of other (or no!) faiths, we urge the Shaw administration to open the mosque in the International Studies Center. If the Christian chapel is open to the Christian community for Sunday service, the mosque should have the same status.

We call on all opponents of discrimination to reach out to David Byrd and university president, Paulette Dillard, as long as this prejudice continues on the campus that once was a fixture of the Civil Rights Movement.

This petition is sponsored by Carolina Peace Center, Peace Catalyst International, and YAP!.