The head of a Minnesota-based Messianic Jewish ministry says it’s telling that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed suit against a Twin Cities charter school for promoting Islam.
A U.S. district judge recently ruled that the two-year-old case against the Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy (TIZA) merits a trial. (
See earlier story) According to St. Paul, Minnesota’s
Pioneer Press, Judge Donovan Frank offered a detailed account on the close ties between the school and the Islamic religious organizations that acted as its landlords, suggesting they envisioned a religious purpose for the buildings.
“It is indeed ironic that the usually hostile ACLU, not friendly to any conservative or Christian opinion whatsoever, is actually coming on board and agreeing with those who share these troubling issues,” notes Olive Tree Ministries founder Jan Markell.
She argues that taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for the Islamic-oriented charter school.
“I think that everyone would like to see this institution close down because it’s kind of shrouded in some mystery, and I just think that it’s time that folks, particularly in that neighborhood...be able to relax,” Markell contends. “And honestly, I know for a fact folks who are living in that neighborhood really cannot relax.”
Though the trial date has not yet been set, the hearing is expected to begin in June.
