Film Review American Sniper

Bradley Cooper in a scene from "American Sniper."

(Courtesy photo | Warner Bros)

Update: U-M will screen 'American Sniper' at separate event that promotes 'reflection'

The University of Michigan has canceled a scheduled showing of the film "American Sniper" after nearly 300 protesters spoke out, saying the film advances "negative and misleading stereotypes" against Muslims.

According to a report in The Michigan Daily, the movie was supposed to be shown at the school's "UMix Late Night" program, which promotes social events to the student body.

A Google document circulated to the student body stated "the movie American Sniper not only tolerates but promotes anti-Muslim ... rhetoric and sympathizes with a mass killer." The petition garnered about 200 signatures.

It continues: "Chris Kyle was a racist who took a disturbing stance on murdering Iraqi civilians. Middle Eastern characters in the film are not lent an ounce of humanity and watching this movie is provocative and unsafe to MENA and Muslim students..."

The Center for Campus Involvement issued a statement on its Facebook page describing why it canceled the showing.

"We deeply regret causing harm to members of our community, and appreciate the thoughtful feedback provided to us by students," the statement read in part.

Jeremy Allen is the higher education reporter for The Ann Arbor News. Follow him on twitter at @JeremyAllenA2. Contact him at 810-247-4625 or jallen42@mlive.com. Find other University of Michigan-related stories here on MLive.com.