The Claremont Independent broke some local religious news last year pertaining to Middle East Studies Department Head Bassam Frangieh. Claremont McKenna has yet to respond to this serious issue. Although not a Christian issue it suggests some pertinent questions about religion, politics and education. All three of which are crucial areas of healthy Christian engagement with other world religions.
Professor Frangieh has openly advocated Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) and Hezbollah (Party of God) in past interviews, petitions and other written statements found on the Internet. He is anti-Zionist and boldly challenges U.S. involvement in Israel. Hamas and Hezbollah are on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations maintained by the Office of Counterterrorism. His academic credentials include a stay at Yale as the Director of the Modern Language Arabic Program. Professor Frangieh’s ability to teach Arabic language and poetry is unquestioned, but his history of political advocacy affords reason to wonder what is actually happening in the classroom.
Considering his background is primarily in language and poetry, his advocacy of religious and political extremist organizations raises concern for sure. His sphere of influence should be strictly in his area of expertise. Granted these are not Claremont McKenna sanctioned publications, but his name listed among such volatile claims questions the school’s judgment in maintaining his role as a Department Head. Religion and politics are always inflammatory. A Professor of his stature must consider his position before speaking publicly about hot topics regardless of his personal passions. The digital world always leaves a trace and Professor Frangieh must realize that his actions are plain for all to see. To think that such an individual has a leading role in a local institution that educates the future leaders of tomorrow is disturbing.
The issue is not specifically about Islamic involvement in Claremont. The Claremont School of Theology is broadening to include Jewish and Islamic schools, which is a positive step toward inter-religious dialog between the three western world religions. There must be Islamic, Jewish and Christian leaders engaging each other in Claremont. However, the kind of leaders and the perspectives they espouse should not include the open advocacy of terror.
It is not acceptable for any religious group to declare such abominable notions. The fact that the U.S. has declared these organizations as terrorist groups necessitates action on the part of Claremont McKenna. Free speech is a fundamental right to Americans for sure. But this goes too far. Professor Frangieh’s claims are not matters of free speech. They are hate speech calling for violence against another religious group. Ethically, the right to life trumps the right to speech.
Claremont needs religious dialog. Hopefully, this will not divide the local efforts but will help draw essential distinctions in appropriate forms of advocacy. Religious freedom, yes. Terror, no.
