Florida: USF Muslim Students Report Harassment During Morning Prayer
Muslim students at the University of South Florida (USF) reported that three unidentified men confronted them during their monthly dawn prayer event on November 18.
The gathering, held at 6 a.m. on the roof of the Collins Parking Garage, was organized by the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and has taken place for months without incident.
Saajid Khan, an MSA member, described the encounter as deeply distressing. He said the men approached during the prayer and began shouting and behaving aggressively.
He said they directed “stomping and profanities and screaming and a lot of really insulting things towards us and our religion,” according to Tampa Bay 28.
Khan said the men moved close to the students, pointed cameras at them, and shouted at them while they were praying.
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One man, he said, wore heavy boots and circled them while stomping, which created fear among those attending. Students also reported that the men directed cameras at the imam leading the prayer and continued the behavior throughout the prayer movements.
The students said the men displayed objects meant to mock Islamic practices, including a cardboard box shaped to resemble the Kaaba.
Khan also said the men brought bacon to provoke the students and tried to pressure them to take it.
According to Khan, the harassment escalated when the men made racist remarks and directed baseless accusations at students of color. He said they questioned students’ citizenship and used offensive language.
One man claimed to be a military veteran and made threatening statements. After the prayer, Khan said one of the men lunged at a student.
The students emphasized that such hostility had not occurred at previous MSA activities. Khan said the incident left them feeling unsafe in a place where they had previously felt welcomed.
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Despite the ordeal, students said they intend to uphold their values of patience and dignity, following the example taught in their faith.
USF Police confirmed they are investigating the incident. In a statement, the university said it is reviewing the videos circulating on social media and will address any violations according to campus policy and state law.
Source: Agencies
