School Agrees to Muslim’s Request
The University of Health Sciences in Kansas City, Mo., has agreed to admit an unnamed Muslim applicant who had requested on religious grounds that she be physically examined only by other female students.
The agreement was announced by the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
In her application to the osteopathic college, the woman said she was willing to examine male students but contended it was not educationally necessary that she be examined by men.
The Muslim council said the school originally denied her request, citing the need for a “full educational experience.” It reversed that decision after the council intervened.
The council explained that Islam permits medical personnel to treat patients of both sexes if necessary, but same-gender treatment is preferred.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
