Charter school getting threats for Islamic ties

Harassment came after questions were raised about whether Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy promotes Islam, violating church-state separation.

By SARAH LEMAGIE, Star Tribune

Last update: April 12, 2008 - 6:49 AM

An Inver Grove Heights charter school has received harassing and threatening calls in the wake of accusations that it blurs the line between religion and state by promoting Islam, the school's director said Friday.

The city's police are investigating and will put extra patrols in the area as a precaution, Police Chief Chuck Kleckner said. He said the school's director contacted the police Friday morning.

Asad Zaman, the director and founder of Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy (TIZA), said that he and the school received several derogatory phone messages and e-mails.

The school came under fire last month after Star Tribune columnist Katherine Kersten questioned whether TIZA, which receives public money, promotes the Muslim faith.

The K-8 school has a special emphasis on the cultures of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Zaman said the school is nonsectarian.

The Minnesota Department of Education launched a review of the school in response to a March 9 column by Kersten.

The department has contacted the school, planned site visits and sent a letter to the U.S. State Department asking about Islamic Relief USA, the school's sponsor.

If the department finds that the school is not complying with state charter school law, it will give the school a deadline by which to take corrective action.

If the school does not respond, the state could withhold public funding.

Like other public schools, TIZA receives funding on a per-pupil basis.

It is projected to receive $3.8 million for this school year, according to department spokeswoman Christine Dufour.

Sarah Lemagie • 952-882-9016

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