A blind student at the University of New Brunswick has been turned away after being accepted into an English as a second language program. It is a complicated situation, involving the fact that his seeing-eye dog undertsands only French, and only English is allowed during this program. It is silly enough not to make an exception in this case, but there is, according to Susan Mesheau, the university’s director of public relations, another intriguing reason why Yvan Tessier is not getting into the program. From the National Post, with thanks to scaramouche:
Ms. Mesheau said it was not just the language issue that made Pavot’s presence problematic.
“We have students here who are allergic to dogs. We have students here who have religious affiliations that they cannot associate in the same room with a dog. Those kinds of things we have to take into account,” she said.
How’s that again? Religious affiliations that they cannot associate in the same room with a dog? Hmmm — who might that be?
Here is one of many relevant ahadith:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever keeps a dog, one Qirat of the reward of his good deeds is deducted daily, unless the dog is used for guarding a farm or cattle.” Abu Huraira (in another narration) said from the Prophet, “unless it is used for guarding sheep or farms, or for hunting.” Narrated Abu Hazim from Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “A dog for guarding cattle or for hunting.” (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 39, Number 515).
But alas, nothing about seeing-eye dogs. I guess Tessier is out of luck with the dhimmis at UNB.
UPDATE: Good news — Tessier can attend class after all.