UPDATE – Provosts cites national concerns in allowing Fresno State faculty to excuse Muslim students from class Oct. 9
(October 8, 2015 ) – Fresno State Provost Lynnette Zelezny, who advised faculty in an email last night that Muslim students could be excused from class today (Oct 9), has sent them this follow up clarification:
“We were made aware of national concerns Thursday evening indicating potential threats across the country on Friday against Muslim students. We are taking the precautionary step of allowing our Muslim students to be excused from classes on Friday. It is not necessary for faculty to cancel classes entirely.
“While we do not know of any threats locally, we are aware there are concerns elsewhere and we are being proactive in order to make our students feel safe, which is essential to their success.”
FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) – Anti-muslim rallies taking place today across the globe — is causing Fresno State to take caution locally.
Fresno State’s Public Information Officer Tom Uribes sent out a statement to KMJ: “Provost Lynnette Zelezny sent an email message to faculty tonight requesting that Muslim students be excused from class Friday, Oct 9. While we do not know of any threats locally, we are aware there are concerns elsewhere and we are being proactive in order to make our students feel safe, which is essential to their success.”
What Provost Zelezny is most likely referring to is called “Global Rally For Humanity.”
A coalition of online activists is calling on “patriots” to organize protests in front of mosques in 20 cities across America on October 9th and 10th.
Oakland and Los Angles are listed as sites but there may be something planned for Fresno, as well.
Organizer and former marine Jon Ritzheimer’s Facebook page offers instructions for citizens to start a rally in their own cities.
During a Phoenix rally in May, some participants carried military-grade weapons, which brought international media attention.
With Fresno State preparing for homecoming weekend, there would be concern to make sure it goes off without a hitch for all students.
