Michigan Islamic Academy moving forward with lawsuit against Pittsfield Township
Previous coverage:
Michigan Islamic Academy vows litigation after Pittsfield Township rejects rezoning for school
Michigan Islamic Academy weighs options as Justice Department reviews religious discrimination complaint
A lawsuit on behalf of the Michigan Islamic Academy against Pittsfield Township over its refusal of a rezoning request will be filed in federal district court Wednesday, officials with the Council on American-Islamic Relations said.
The Michigan Islamic Academy will take its variance debate with Pittsfield Township to court, according to officials.
Tom Perkins | For Ann Arbor.com
The township has denied rezoning requests to build a 360-student school at the intersection of Golfside and Ellsworth roads.
A news conference will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the CAIR-MI office in Southfield after the lawsuit is filed. CAIR Executive Director Dawud Walid said details of the suit and why it was filed will be discussed at this time. The news conference will be live-streamed at www.ustream.tv/channel/cair-michigan for people who would like to watch.
A representative from the Michigan Islamic Academy will speak about how school administrators feel about “the entire situation” and how they “just want to open a school for children,” Walid said.
He said school administrators have gone round-and-round with the Pittsfield Board of Trustees, Planning Commission and other township officials to try to get a land variance in a residential area for an Islamic school.
“(Administrators) have shown a willingness to comply … conducted two traffic surveys … but there has been no relief they’ve been able to get through the city of Pittsfield Township,” Walid said.
Mandy Grewal, supervisor of Pittsfield Township, could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Staff reporter Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
AAW
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.
My comment is in regard to traffic issues. I understand where the neighborhoods concerns come from. My daughter went to a charter school. Hello! folks, there is no bussing for most of these schools. There is some carpooling, but for the most part each child (360) will be driven to school and picked up from school. Unless these school could come to some kind of agreement about starting and ending of the school day, which I doubt either will, please consider another location. So yes this area will be a nightmare with two charter school within sight of each other. This statememt is not about race or religon. Please don't read between the line because there is nothing there.
A2centsworth
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 1:24 a.m.
Just another fringe group wanted special treatment. Judging by all the comments that were removed from this article, I think alot of people agree with that!
Jake C
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.
Judging by the number of comments removed from this article, I think a lot of people don't understand how to have a respectful conversation without engaging in borderline racist & hateful speech.
uresgoddess
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.
I just finished watching the live stream of the news conference and I tell you I'm a little curious about a few things. First, are the current board members the same ones that said it was ok to build the school there? Second, I've never heard about what the folks who live in Ypsilanti Township that live on the east side of that intersection have to say about this. I don't think we were ever contacted by either townships involved nor by the MIA folks. The president of our association has kept us apprised of all public meeting and such, but I don't remember ever getting anything in the mail about this and it's possible impact on my little community. We did get info in the mail when they initially wanted to build something along this line on the 8 acre parcel of land right across the street from the Roundtree apartment/condominium association entrance about 4 or 5 years ago if I remember correctly. One of Pittsfield Township's eastern borders fall on the west side of Golfside road and one of Ypsilanti Township borders fall on the eastern side of Golfside. I own a condominium in Roundtree Oaks Condominium Association which shares a main entrance with the Roundtree apartment complex which is just to the east of this intersection of Ellsworth and Golfside (maybe what, 50 feet?), and a little bit longer of a distance away, just to the north from this same intersection, sits Fortis Academy. Folks, this plot of land that MIA has purchased is 26 acres, correct, and all though it is a very long and skinny 26 acres, just what the heck is this one little corner going to look like??? And to finish, I found what "Momof4" had to say very interesting, very interesting indeed!
russellr
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
Lets see if I wanted to build a Christian School in Iraq would they let me???? Muslim countries have there own rules and regulations. They are not going to let us come there and do what we want. Do you people call this Religious Discrimination??? The muslims almost burnt down Paris, France last year. You so called Ameicans better wake up and smell the coffee
Jake C
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.
Your argument sounds like a 3-year old complaining that someone else got to eat candy for lunch but they had to eat peas. "But *THEY* got to do it, why can't I?"
Sparty
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 6:42 p.m.
But this is the USA, protected by the Constitution ... not the Middle East. So all religions are welcome here and are protected and have equal rights.
OLDTIMER3
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 5:59 p.m.
Read the paper and watch the news , this is The Muslims favorite tactick to scare the countries into letting them have their way. The ones who are saying this is not a christian country must be listening to Obama.
Momof4
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.
We are muslim and live in Pittsfield. I disagree with the school because they are themselves racist. I know this because we sent our children there and experienced bad treatment and discrimination because we do not speak Arabic and our children are black. It is disgraceful that they would claim to have these rights to teach children when they are racist, antsemetic, and do not even provide quality education in the first place. It's definetely not worth the traffic.
bedrog
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 5:49 p.m.
As a matter of simple fact, one of the charter members of the local synagogue harassing cadre ( who is a convert to Islam) teaches at the Islamic center on plymouth rd , which i assume is an affiliate of this one. An article in the Washtenaw Jewish news from feb 2010 ( p9) has a photo of him photographing/harassing congregants. More recently he showed up on a jewish holiday in a santa claus suit carrying the usual defamatory signage. Is it "hateful" to be at least wary of the sort of institution that employs such a person? Some on this thread would say "yes" .. .I not so respectfully disgree, although as a liberal, and one time "islamophile" ( and quite well educated on related matters) i am neither casual, careless nor happy about my current views on such matters .
Not a valid excuse for a newspaper
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:44 p.m.
Fortis Academy creates huge traffic problems. Deal with that, Pittsfield Township boards. But you don't. Why? You believe that keeping those problems creates adequate cover for your zoning denial here. If you dealt with the Fortis traffic problems, the only credible reason for the zoning denial would be blatant discrimination. As it is, we see through your cover, and so will any judge worth their title. You can't deny rezoning based on public outcry over "traffic congestion" when traffic studies clearly show the proposed school will have negligible impact. Bye-bye Pittsfield Board of Trustees and Planning Commission. And those elected members who didn't vote - even if you disagreed, your abstinence allowed this decision so no mercy for you either. Shame on our elected representatives for caving to prejudice.
Claudia
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.
Why do they come to America? For a better life? They like our American ways? Then accept them. You want a different type of education that your own country offered? Then why did you come to our country? If I went to their country, do you think I could file a lawsuit against them if I couldn't have a school for our American children and get away with it?
Stupid Hick
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.
Why do you assume they're immigrants? Why do you assume they're not Americans? I have to say some of these comments are pretty offensive.
John Q
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.
News flash, many if not all of the students attending this school were born in the US.
grimmk
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:12 p.m.
What is the "American way"? We are a nation of mutts. We are multicultural. There are lots of schools out there that are not just Christian. Yet you aren't ripping them apart. I hope that people come to this country to show you how much better the world is out there.
SuperiorMother
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.
I am completely in favor of building this school, just not at that location. I would be against any school at that location, whether it was Muslim, Christian, Jewish, public, or any other type of school. My kids go to Fortis, and traffic in that area is a nightmare from 7:45-8:30 and 3-4. Unless a school built at that location would have no traffic at either of those times - highly unlikely, unless the school day started before 7:30 or after 9, and ended before 2:30 or after 4 - I just don't see how it could work logistically.
SuperiorMother
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
"Not a valid excuse" - I would love to read the traffic study. Do you have a link to it? I haven't been able to find a link in any of the AnnArbor.com articles.
Not a valid excuse for a newspaper
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.
Did you look at the traffic studies and the planned proposal? It's exactly that - negligible impact on traffic. That's why everyone's crying foul over the denial.
Matt Cooper
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
If people want to be bigots, then be bigots, but at least be honest about it. This isn't about traffic, or rezoning, this is about the fact that people are bigoted and simply don't want to admit it. All the people crying about how bad the traffic will be need to pipe down and learn the facts. Two traffic studies have already been performed to look at the potential impact of traffic caused by this school, one of which was done by a company requested and recommended by the township and accepted by the school. BOTH studies said that the school traffic would pose little if any traffic issues. The fact of the matter is that the township simply doesn't want an Islamic school at that location, and are willing to treat the school in a completely different fashion than they treat everyone else in order to keep the school from being built.
julieswhimsies
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 8:11 p.m.
We agree, Doc.
Johnm
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:34 p.m.
All you need to know if CAIR is involved is to be suspicious. Read "Muslim Mafia", a book about some undercover work done at the CAIR headquarters, and you would be concerned too.
Mike
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
Welcome to multiculturalism - where you watch your culture vanish into the sunset, followed by a country with no common culture, religion, and language. Sort of like France and England are becoming.................
Jake C
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 3:46 p.m.
Because it's much better to live in a country where everyone talks like you, looks like you, and worships exactly like you? If you want that, you can move to Japan, or Sweden (but only if you're already Japanese, or Swedish, otherwise you're not very welcome). That's never been what America is about. America was founded on the idea of diversity & acceptance of other cultures (even if it didn't always work in practice).
John Q
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.
But it was OK when the Native American culture was being wiped out.
Will
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:22 a.m.
I think the article did not provide sufficient information about the basis for the rezoning denial. Was this available? Without this information, the dispute coverage is lopsided, containing quotes from the CAIR and the Academy, but little from the planning commission. It is reported that two traffic surveys were conducted, but not what they concluded. Really, it wouldnt matter if 100 surveys were conducted, it only matters what they conclude.
Basic Bob
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:14 a.m.
If this turns into federal oversight and a legal settlement, I'll support a recall against the entire administration and board of trustees. The absence of independent thought or action among the board of trustees is disturbing. Some discussion might have prevented this fiasco. Don't forget that they supervisor suspended the township's master plan for nearly two years while authoring an attractive yet unenforceable document. But rezoning (not a simple variance) for Costco was allowed because it competes with the evil Saline Walmart.
aawolve
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 5:43 a.m.
My only wish is for Muslims to receive the same treatment that we would expect in nations where Islam is the predominant religion: <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/02/05/ayaan-hirsi-ali-the-global-war-on-christians-in-the-muslim-world.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/02/05/ayaan-hirsi-ali-the-global-war-on-christians-in-the-muslim-world.html</a>
Sparty
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 6:40 p.m.
But fortunately this is the USA, which is protected by the Constitution.
greg, too
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:14 a.m.
Burdensome zoning regulations against religious groups? I couldn't care less what faith they are, they should have to follow the same rules as all businesses. Christian, Muslim, whatever, zoning laws are there for a purpose. If not, whats to stop any denomination from buying up a couple cheap houses in one of the townships and building a mega church in a residential area that would clog traffic and inhibit taxpayer services? The area they chose, with it's horrible roads (golfside is a joke), is already overtaxed and could not support the extra traffic. As one poster stated, why did they buy land that was not zoned properly or in an area that can handle the school? There are plenty of other parts of the various townships (including Pittsfield) that would be better suited for a school, so why this spot? If the proposal was shot down due to ethnic reasons, then this is truly sad and they should fight it as far as they can. But it seems like the township is stuck in a hard position here of telling a group that they simply cannot use the land for what they want to use it for, even with the knowledge that there logic could be construed as racist or ethnically based.
MajorPIT
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:59 a.m.
I live directly across from Fortis Academy on Goflside near Ellsworth. I have no problem with opening schools of any nature - public, private, charter or religious. I think it's great that people from another walk of life can at least find familiarity in a newer environment. As I have spent a considerable amount of time in the Middle East (under much different circumstances they are enjoying here) I welcome them to Pittsfield Township with open arms. Just not there. As a retired USAF pilot, I don't necessarily keep regular office hours. As a flight instructor and hockey referee, I'm in and out of the house regularly. I know, however, that if I attempt to leave or to return home anywhere near 8-9 am or 3-4 pm I'm in for for fight. The traffic is horrific, kids are everywhere (I have yet to see a crossing guard escorting them across Ellsworth) and accidents at the corner are a weekly routine. Add to that mess another 360 kids and scores of 'road entitled' parents coming and going at the same time intervals and life for everyone involved - myself, my neighbors, Fortis school, new school and daily traffic - will most certainly become a nightmare. The Michigan Islamic Academy is justified in wanting to build a new school. Pittsfield is justified in denying them the location that they are seeking. A location that would be wrong for ANY applying school. We can leave race, religious beliefs and UNjustified stereotypes out of the equation. It's just simply a bad idea at that location. Period.
Harry
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
Why did you state you are a retired USAF pilot. How is that important to your comment.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:40 p.m.
The school has to go somewhere, right? And it will cause traffic issues anywhere it goes. While I completely understand your NIMBY attitude (I might not like some school in my neighborhood either), surely you can understand why such arguments just can't be taken seriously. Because if they were, things like schools would be limited to locations where people can't organize well.
Matt Cooper
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
Ok, Major. So what say you about the traffic studies (2 of them to date) that say the school will create no traffic issues? Do you suddenly know better than the professionls who studies these issues for a living? And bear in mind that one of thecompanies that did one of the studies was a company recommended by the township and accepted by the school. As soon as that company, after being recommended by the township, released it's results, which went against the township, the township threw their report in the garbage can. How can you claim that is fair?
Usual Suspect
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:16 a.m.
You did make it perfectly clear, at least to those who are capable of having a debate and don't just point and yell "RACIST!" at anybody who disagrees with them.
MajorPIT
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:36 a.m.
The above removed comment was from Eyeheart A2. I read it just before it got splashed. In it I was accused of "dog whistle racism', for if you 'read between the lines' that I oppose the school because they are Muslim. I thought I made it perfectly clear that I welcome the school. There is no 'reading between the lines' here, Eyeheart. The location is bad for a school. There are MANY sites that could accommodate their needs in Pittsfield Township and not negatively impact the traffic situation as this severely as this one would. Stop reading between the lines and read the comments without amateur analysis. I don't pull punches in a debate. I tend to say exactly what I mean. And think.
julieswhimsies
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:35 a.m.
Hate comes hidden in many different guises. In the end, however, the bigots know who they are. What they don't understand is that they are living their lives under a cloud of fear. That's just sad.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.
I disagree. The bigots usually do not know who they are or least a lot of them don't. They often don't see the racism in their own words and you can tell by their reaction if you say something like, "that sounds racist to me"
grimmk
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:08 p.m.
@ Usual Suspect. If that were true then over 3/4 of these comments should be taken down. Her response is not about the issue of the article but the blatant hate people are spewing.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:48 a.m.
Nothing you just posted has anything to do with zoning and traffic issues.
snark12
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:48 a.m.
On this web site, the bigots are apparently proud to reveal themselves!
Chris
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:08 a.m.
If a lawsuit is being filed under the "Religious Institutions Land Use Protection Act" Pittsfield Township will be held to a strict scrutiny standard. The Township must show that it has a compelling government interest for not approving the re-zoning request and application of its zoning power is the least restrictive means necessary to further that interest. I would argue that Pittsfield Township can clearly demonstrate sufficient evidence on both requirements to prevail on the merits. Pittsfield has a compelling interest in the preservation, regulation and enforcement of land uses within specific zoning classifications to minimize impact on adjoining land uses as well as upholding land use classification appropriate within specific zoning classifications. Through its police power, zoning as it applies to this re-zoning request is the least restrictive method in order to ensure the proposed land use is consistent with applicable zoning when the proposed use cannot be achieved by right. This is not a simple case of a by-right zoning. There is no evidence of discrimination, however under RILUPA discrimination is not a requirement. It would appear the MIA is attempting to bring a suit under RILUPA as means of last resort. If this case were really about discrimination MIA could likely bring a case in state court and win on the merits providing there was sufficient evidence to support their case. However, MIA counsel is likely using RILUPA as leverage and believes this may result in a better legal outcome for their client because a discrimination suit probably would not hold up in court.
A2centsworth
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:10 a.m.
Thank you!
xmo
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 12:47 a.m.
Everybody Knows that the Muslims are the Religion of Choice, Give them what they want or else the President may step in!
Mike
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 12:28 a.m.
seems fair to me. muslim countries do not allow the building of christian schools. why should christian countries allow the building of muslim schools.
John Q
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:13 a.m.
So you want to be like those countries? Sounds like what you are advocating.
cmotdibbler
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.
Because this is a country whose dominant religion is fair-weather christians but the religion is not baked into the government. That is called a theocracy. You might at least try looking at the founding documents of this country. Welcome your multicultural society and celebrate the linguistic, religious and cultural differences. Otherwise, you are free to leave.
a2citizen
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:21 p.m.
When Ave Maria College was denied zoning approval by Ann Arbor Township was that discrimination?
Roncerz
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:11 p.m.
This is clearly an act of discrimination. If it were a Hebrew Day School or a Christian School--it would be no problem. And anyone who doesn't believe that is living in a fantasy world. Good for them. I hope they win their lawsuit. And I live in Pittsfield Twp. I don't feel that this organization is playing the "discrimination" card. I think they have a legitimate claim. I am tired of this prejudice against Muslim Americans. And that is the true Christian response to a situation like this. It amazes me the people who claim to be "Christian" who act and speak and respond as anything but. Lol. What a joke. Those are the folks to watch out for, IMHO.
Matt Cooper
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.
Sure you do Adam. You elected them (if you live in Pitts. Twshp.)
Adam Betz
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:31 a.m.
I disagree. It isn't the people on this page that make the call. It's a local government entity. None of us here represent that government entity.
Stupid Hick
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:30 a.m.
Adam, after reading a page of bigoted comments opposing the school, I wouldn't say it's so obvious their claims are "ridiculous".
Terry Star21
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 10:12 p.m.
There seems to be an International, maybe even Islamic trend to question Americans policies - even if rules/zonings are bypassed or broken.
sh1
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 12:21 a.m.
Islamic trend? Do tell.
Jaime
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
they "just want to open a school for children," So why didn't they buy land that was zone for the purpose?
Stupid Hick
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:20 a.m.
Thanks Kara for explaining something I didn't know about zoning.
Stupid Hick
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:19 a.m.
Thank you Jaime for the only sensible, non-bigoted, anti-school comment I've read so far.
Kara H
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:55 a.m.
No property is zoned for schools. Every newly sited school will have to file for rezoning. Schools are an "acceptable use" within several types of zoning.
glimmertwin
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 9:10 p.m.
I could care less about this school, but it is very clear that they were strung along by the township.
Eileen
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.
Yes, there is a school there already! I think you can have a "religious" school built if you want, but not here! One, there already is one school right there and two, you need to consider the people who live there. I live right behind the grounds they want this built and I personally do not want the noise and traffic build up in my neighborhood. In defense of my "Christianity", I will say that THIS country is founded on judeo christian beliefs and it has always been acceptable to have such schools. Yes, you have the freedoms (AS US CITIZENS) to practice what you believe, but that doesn't mean our government has to allow a school built just because you feel it should be. I also am very tired of people crying discrimination because they do not get what they want and us it in the name of "religion". Sorry, that gets old! If that's the case, I want to cry out because I am a white, christian, conservative that feel my religous beliefs are slammed on a daily basis from other groups pushing their liberal, anti-christian beliefs on me and telling me I have to accept it....sorry, I don't!
Stupid Hick
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:13 a.m.
"that doesn't mean our government has to allow a school built [sic]" Eileen, respectfully, I would offer that's exactly the opposite of the religious freedom guaranteed by our Constitution.
jns131
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11 p.m.
I agree with Eileen and I also agree with Pittsfield Township. Build the thing somewhere else and let houses as they are now be built on this land. Enough said.
Ally Norris
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 10:39 p.m.
Check your facts, Eileen. Here it is, straight from the horse's mouth (or the Treaty of Tripoli, Article 11): "As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Musselmen (Muslims)..."
cmdvimes
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 9:50 p.m.
Loss of the illegal privileges your group has enjoyed for a couple of hundred years is not persecution. As an atheist I've often been told that I should just leave the country, maybe you can do the same if you don't like the way things are going.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 9:39 p.m.
Very well stated Eileen.
snark12
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.
"...but that doesn't mean our government has to allow a school built just because you feel it should be." Actually, that's the very definition of freedom of religion: that the government can't thwart the construction of the school simply because of its religious nature. If it is shown there's another valid reason, fine, but the local government hasn't shown much evidence of that yet.
Adam Betz
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.
Eileen, actually there is a lot of proof that points to the founding fathers as being Deists and not necessarily Christians.
15crown00
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.
Why would you want to go where you're NOT wanted?
Stupid Hick
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:02 a.m.
Why should they not be allowed to do what they want on their own property?
Pickforddick
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:51 p.m.
Beautiful post Beautiful
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:50 p.m.
I love this post 15crown00
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:17 p.m.
Great post crown....I love it !
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:07 p.m.
I am appalled and disgusted that you would not want English to be the main language taught to American children.
jns131
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.
They were not wanted on the Twin Tower site, so why is this any different? This is not a hate thing, this is a matter of keeping traffic under control.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 10:30 p.m.
I am appalled and disgusted by some of the posts I'm reading here. Some spout outright bigotry.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 10:25 p.m.
Oh my God. I cannot believe I just read that hateful post.
Adam Betz
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
Ah yes...how appropriate to announce this today with all the anger and violence that has erupted in Afghanistan over the burning of radical religious materials.
Stupid Hick
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:56 a.m.
I fail to see what this has to do with Afganistan.
nyrdreems
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:24 p.m.
Golfside and Ellsworth? Isn't there already a charter school near that corner?
jns131
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 10:56 p.m.
Fortis Academy. This is why they are fighting it. Too much traffic in that area and not enough to keep it from becoming an issue.
Edward R Murrows Ghost
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.
This has been a blatant case of religious discrimination. No doubt that if a Christian school wanted to build there they would have been approved in a heartbeat. Good Night and Good Luck.
thecompound
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 3:57 p.m.
Everybody got that? Intuition is now acceptable proof on annarbor.com. No more links necessary, Hurray!
Matt Cooper
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.
Funny how people keep repeating the same tired old argument about the supposed traffic nightmare this school would cause when two independant traffic studies have already been performed, and that BOTH say that the school would cause little, if any, traffic issues at all. And one of those studies was performed by a company chosen by the twshp. board, who then rejected the opinion and results of the study by the company THEY requested to do the study. But no. It's really not about religion...is it?
BBC
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:55 a.m.
Ghost: Is your nickname really "Donkey"?
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:56 p.m.
I understand Fox News will be running a special on this very subject, I an excited to hear what they have to say.
a2citizen
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:20 p.m.
When Ave Maria College was dening zoning approval by Ann Arbor Township was that discrimination?
jns131
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 10:56 p.m.
I really hope they loose. I agree, the traffic nightmare will only begin. I really would hate to see a child injured in this mess.
Edward R Murrows Ghost
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.
It's called intuition. Wouldn't learn that from Faux News, would you?
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.
Ed......You sure assume a lot....why?
John of Saline
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 9:11 p.m.
Really? No traffic issues would have been raised? Doubtful.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
Please tell me this......What language do they propose to teach these children with?
Momof4
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.
They say English but when we sent our kids there they gossiped about them calling them "abd" meaning slave because of our color. They speak in Arabic in right in front of you because they think Americans are too stupid to know what they are saying. When I complained they said "We are a private school, we can do whatever we want."
grimmk
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 2:54 p.m.
Well, let's see... how about NOT ENGLISH?! Oh my god! GASP! SHOCK! HORROR! Get the smelling salts! Just because you didn't get a bilingual education doesn't mean you need to be jealous of those who do.
Stupid Hick
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 1:54 a.m.
Brilliant question! Let me guess, you must be on the Pittsfield Township zoning board.
momRN
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 12:06 a.m.
interestingly enough, while english is the primary language spoken in the united states, this country doesn't actually have an official language.
Pickforddick
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:44 p.m.
No ignorance or bigotry here...I see facts and facts don't lie.
Fiddlesticks
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.
Goodness such ignorance and bigotry on display here! First of all, this is not a charter school this is a private school. The school has already existed for a LONG time (over 20 years!) and the primary language of instruction IS and always WILL be ENGLISH. Not one single kid in that school doesn't speak English as their first language either exclusively or along with another language (although English always dominates).
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:05 p.m.
I make it my business to ensure that English is the main language taught in school because this is the United States of America......OK?
julieswhimsies
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
I learned Latin in my Catholic school. Why is it your business if they teach another language in this school?
shutthefrtdoor
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 9:32 p.m.
I think it's a valid question. I wouldn't assume anything. You know what they say about the word assume don't you?
snark12
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.
BTW, concerns about what language they would use in the school would not be a valid reason for denying rezoning and would lead to a loss of the lawsuit. The suspicion is that it's exactly these kind of questions that DID lead to the rezoning denial.
Chris
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.
How do the potential answers to your question impact your thoughts on the proposed school? I will assume English will be the primary language of instruction, but like lots of other charter, public, private and parochial schools, they may offer language classes too.
The Black Stallion3
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.
Chris....That does not answer the question.
Chris
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.
Really? This is a public charter school.
cinnabar7071
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.
I would hope Pittsfield Township would protect their tax payers by filing a counter suit for damages.
John Q
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:10 a.m.
Damages for what?
jns131
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
I totally agree.
Mike
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
I was wondering how long before they tried to force the issue via a lawsuit. One step at a time..................