Islamic Group To File Suit Over School Zoning

The Michigan Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) will hold a press conference Wednesday to announce the filing of a federal lawsuit against Pittsfield Township for the denial of zoning of an Islamic school.

In October 2011, the Pittsfield Township Board of Trustees denied a land use variance request of the Michigan Islamic Academy (MIA) despite, as CAIR said, "The school meeting every requirement put forth by the township's planning commission to qualify, which is an apparent violation of the Religious Land Use and Institutional Persons Act (RLUIPA)."

Opponents cited traffic and other issues if the Michigan Islamic Academy is built a school near a residential area. Members of CAIR believe that's just an excuse to block the school from the neighborhood.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.