A Muslim group applies to open an Islamic center. Residents pack meetings to oppose the plan, expressing outrage over traffic and parking. The applicant faces delays and denials, then sues alleging discrimination.
The scenario has played out in towns and cities across America, including Basking Ridge, Vineland, Bayonne and Bridgewater. As Muslim communities grow, they seek new places for the faithful to gather for prayer, learning and recreation, but face resistance from residents and from boards that must give stamps of approval.
In Teaneck, a group trying to establish a community center and place of worship has alleged they, too, are being blocked due to discrimination. The Al Ummah Community Center, which sued the town and its zoning board in 2020, said they faced burdensome and costly requirements not asked of other applicants.
Now, backers of the community center say that a board member’s alleged anti-Muslim comments — revealed in testimony in discovery before Judge Kevin McNulty in U.S District Court in New Jersey— support their claims of discrimination.
Teaneck has denied allegations of discrimination in court filings and said the project review was fair, legal and necessary. The township also maintains the group applied to establish a community center, not a house of worship. But Al Ummah’s backers said they have sought a center for religious services as well as a place for religious instruction, exercise and social activities.
Bias allegations
The Al Ummah…
