TAPPS draws renewed criticism for rejection of an Islamic academy

From left, Mahnoor Javed, Zaynab Abidogun and Maheen Gardezi listen to AP English teacher Gabriela Pruneda, center, at Iman Academy. The Texas Association of Private and Parochial schools rejected the school in 2010. less From left, Mahnoor Javed, Zaynab Abidogun and Maheen Gardezi listen to AP English teacher Gabriela Pruneda, center, at Iman Academy. The Texas Association of Private and Parochial schools rejected the school in ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson Photo: Johnny Hanson Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close TAPPS draws renewed criticism for rejection of an Islamic academy 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

A Texas private school system that drew national attention for almost keeping a Jewish team on the bench during a state semifinal basketball game last week is facing renewed questions for not allowing an Islamic school in Houston to join the organization.

Houston's Iman Academy was denied membership in 2010 to the association after being grilled about the Quran and the proposed mosque at Ground Zero in New York. That decision by the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools garnered scant scrutiny until the recent dispute with the Jewish school put a spotlight on TAPPS' policies.

A national Islamic group has threatened to revisit possible legal action against TAPPS, and a state senator from Houston is considering legislation that would address concerns raised by the controversies.

TAPPS ignited a firestorm last week after initially refusing to reschedule a basketball game for the Jewish Orthodox day school Robert M. Beren Academy in Houston, which could not play at the time because the players observed the Sabbath. After parents threatened legal action, Beren was allowed to play its semifinal game.

Iman Academy principal Cindy Steffens said the school, which has about 500 students, wanted the chance to compete in athletics and academics against other private schools. It applied for membership in 2010 and after an interview process was rejected.

'Loaded' questions

Steffens said she had remained discreet about the incident until media outlets contacted her in recent weeks.

TAPPS, the dominant private school league in the state, arranges for 220 secular and parochial high schools to compete in sports, such as football, soccer and tennis, as well as in academics, art and music. Director Edd Burleson refused to comment for this article.

Steffens said she almost chose not to move forward with the application after receiving a questionnaire that contained what she called "loaded and provocative" questions from the association.

The Houston Chronicle obtained the email sent to the school, and the questions included, "Historically, there is nothing in the Koran that fully embraces Christianity or Judaism in the way a Christian and/or Jew understands religion. Why, then, are you interested in joining an association whose basic beliefs your religion condemns?

"It is our understanding that the Koran tells you not to mix with (and even eliminate) the infidels. Christians and Jews fall into that category. Why do you wish to join an organization whose membership is in disagreement with your beliefs?"

The questions also asked about celebrating Christmas, whether Muslims believe the Bible is corrupt and about the "spread of Islam in America."

Two others withdrew

In 2004, at least two other Islamic schools withdrew themselves from consideration after receiving the same questionnaire.

Steffens said the apparent prejudice against Muslims was disheartening throughout the interview process.

"It's about our children and our generation," she said. "You know what's really scary - if this is what we are teaching in our private schools. This is a board representing private schools in Texas. Is this how the majority of private schools think?"

Iman Academy officials were invited to an interview before the TAPPS board in November 2010, and Steffens said one board member said he wanted to discuss the "elephant in the room." She said the board asked questions that seemed irrelevant to joining an association to play sports, such as asking her opinion about the Ground Zero mosque.

Steffens said another board member told her, "I know all Muslims are not terrorists, but all terrorists are Muslims."

"We don't want to change your children," Steffens said. "Our children are not different. They are Americans. We want to be inclusive and to play ball and compete."

Possible legislation

Jeremy Warren, spokesman for state Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, said the senator is discussing potential legislation that would help prevent situations like what happened with the Jewish and Islamic schools.

"It's an interesting situation - a private entity dealing with a private institution but they use public facilities," Warren said.

Ibrahim Hooper of the Council on American-Islamic Relations has called for the association to change its policies: "Is there no law from discriminating based on faith?" he asked. Hooper said his group will revisit possible legal action.

erin.mulvaney@chron.com