Protest held over construction of a mosque on the University of Tulsa's campus

About a dozen people gathered at the University of Tulsa Monday to protest the construction of a new mosque. <br><br>Apparently the discussion began on Tulsa talk radio Friday and culminated Monday afternoon

Monday, September 23rd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

About a dozen people gathered at the University of Tulsa Monday to protest the construction of a new mosque.

Apparently the discussion began on Tulsa talk radio Friday and culminated Monday afternoon with a small group confronting several TU students who support the mosque.

Mondayâ€™s gathering only lasted for about half an hour, but the discussion was heated. TU sophomore Scott Patrick, "just because some Muslims used it as an excuse to attack America does not mean that all Muslims and all mosques are the seeds of terrorism."

TU student, Sam Al-hamed, "and I'm happy to report to you that we can study and worship as Muslims better than any other place in the world."

An unidentified protestor, â€œthe fact of the matter is this is the United States and this is not an Arab country right now and its just bad timing to have a mosque put in the United States especially and I'm embarrassed as a Tulsan."

TU announced the construction of the 3,900 square foot mosque last week, emphasizing that no university funds are being use to build it. The mosque will replace the building that currently serves the universityâ€™s 180 Muslim students.

TU officials also note that several Christian faiths already have facilities on campus.