Growing Need for Trained Muslim Chaplains at Colleges

May 25, 2002

Source: The Washington Post

On May 25, 2002 The Washington Post reported that "as the number of Muslim students at American colleges continues to rise, schools are recognizing the need for trained, paid Muslim clergy on campus... Currently, only one recognized program certifies Muslim chaplains: The Hartford Seminary Islamic Chaplaincy Program... The program, originally developed to help the military educate Muslim chaplains, noticed a need on campuses for professional Muslim chaplains to advocate for students' dietary needs, holiday observances and protection from discrimination... It is estimated that at least 75,000 Muslim students are enrolled in colleges across the United States... At most colleges, the closest thing to a school-sanctioned Muslim religious community is a Muslim Students Association chapter. But leaders say that the 138 U.S. chapters are not enough to meet the needs of Muslim students."