The University of Houston has defended its “Lived Hindu Religion” course, asserting its commitment to academic freedom following student complaints of “Hinduphobia.” The university maintains that the course utilises accepted academic methodologies within religious studies.
Houston University’s response to ‘Hinduphobia’ complaints
In a statement, the university clarified that the course employs terminology like “fundamentalism” as analytical tools, common across the study of various religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. The institution acknowledged that academic terms can differ from their usage in public discourse, potentially leading to misunderstandings.
“While UH does not typically review individual lectures, the university maintains oversight of the curriculum to ensure it meets established academic and pedagogical standards,” the University said, according to a ANI report.
Emphasising its commitment to academic exploration, the university stated it does not typically review individual lectures, allowing faculty to address complex and challenging topics. However, it confirmed curriculum oversight to ensure adherence to academic standards. Following the student’s complaint, the dean and director of religious studies reviewed the concerns and discussed them with the instructor, Professor Aaron Michael Ullrey.
“The university’s statement comes in response to a student complaint against the course. Following the complaint, the university’s dean and the director of religious studies reviewed the concerns and discussed them with the instructor, added ANI.
‘Course highlights historical depth of Hindu religious traditions’
Professor Ullrey, the course’s instructor, responded to the criticism, emphasising that the course employs descriptive anthropology, not prescriptive theology. He stated that he aims to showcase the complexity and historical depth of Hindu religious traditions.
The University of Houston’s course reportedly describes Hinduism as a “colonial construct” and refers to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “Hindu fundamentalist.” It also suggests that India operates as a Hindu nationalist state engaged in the oppression of minority communities.
He refuted claims that he described Hinduism as a “colonial construct” or a “political tool,” asserting that his statements were taken out of context. He clarified that the course explores the historical development of Hindu religious practices, tracing their origins to ancient scriptures and pre-existing traditions.
He specifically denied saying “Hinduism…was not an ancient, lived tradition but a colonial construct, a political tool weaponised by Hindu nationalists, and a system of oppression against minorities.” He argued that the class addresses political Hinduism alongside 25 other aspects of Hinduism to demonstrate that no singular definition of Hinduism should be accepted.
“Any declaration that I say “Hinduism” is not ancient is false. In fact, the video that has been shared extracted a quote from a small section on political Hinduism, presented alongside 25 other aspects of Hinduism; all of this is to prove that any one declaration of Hinduism, as found in the quote starting “Hinduism…,” is not to be accepted,” said Professor Ullrey.
What is the ‘Hinduphobia’ controversy?
The controversy arose after student Vasant Bhatt, a political science major, alleged that the course was “Hinduphobic” and distorted India’s political landscape. He claimed Professor Ullrey portrayed Hinduism as a colonial invention and a tool of oppression. Bhatt filed a complaint with the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, which oversees the course.
FinancialExpress.com could not independently verify the claims.
As per media reports, the complaint specifically referenced Professor Ullrey’s descriptions of political Hinduism, which the student considered a misrepresentation of the religion’s history and practice. The university’s response aims to address these concerns while upholding the principles of academic inquiry.
(With media reports)