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'American Sniper' Showing Canceled After Muslim Students Protest In Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR (CBS Detroit) It's one of the most well-reviewed films of 2014, but "American Sniper" -- the story of Chris Kyle, the most lethal American sharpshooter in Iraq -- was canceled from a screening in Ann Arbor.

On Tuesday, the University of Michigan Center for Campus Involvement canceled a screening of "American Sniper" set for this Friday after petitions from the Muslim Student Association (MSA) on campus.

A screening was also canceled last month at the University of Missouri after a Muslim student protested, saying showing the film on campus would make her feel unsafe.

In Ann Arbor, the cancellation doesn't sit well with everyone.

"The only place the MSA is getting their presuppositions from is propaganda, rather than the content of this film," said Derek Draplin, Editor in Chief of the Michigan Review, in a statement.

"This film is about the grim face of war that has sent so many veterans home with mental damage that their families must deal with. "It is about an American hero who gave everything to serve his country and protect our freedoms. The MSA is subverting reality by claiming otherwise."

Student Grant Strobl called the decision to cancel "deplorable," and said offensive attitudes toward a "war hero" fosters an offensive attitude on campus.

According to the Lebanese Examiner, the "American Sniper" showing was deep sixed after a petition started by a group identified as Middle Eastern and North African and Muslim students garnered 280 signatures.

"Student reactions have clearly articulated that this is neither the venue nor the time to show this movie," said the University's Center of Campus Involvement in a prepared statement. "We deeply regret causing harm to members of our community, and appreciate the thoughtful feedback provided to us by students and staff alike."

Draplin and Strobl are calling on the University to overturn the decision.

"This is about doing what is right, respecting our men and women in uniform, and honoring our heroes who fight to protect our freedoms and secure them for people around the world," they said in a prepared statement.

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