The University of Houston has defended its course titled Lived Hindu Religion after a student accused it of being ‘Hinduphobic’ and distorting India’s political landscape. The university reaffirmed its commitment to academic freedom, stating that the course is grounded in religious studies and uses analytical tools to examine religious movements across traditions.
University’s Response
Following the controversy, the university issued a statement clarifying that its course is designed to provide an academic perspective on Hinduism and is not intended to misrepresent or offend any religious group. It emphasized that terms used in religious studies, such as fundamentalism, may differ in meaning from their public or political interpretations, leading to misunderstandings.
The university also stated that it does not typically review individual lectures but ensures that all courses meet established academic and pedagogical standards. It confirmed that the concerns raised by student Vasant Bhatt were reviewed by the dean and the director of religious studies, who subsequently discussed them with the course instructor, Professor Aaron Michael Ullrey.
Professor’s Clarification
Professor Ullrey, the instructor of the Lived Hindu Religion course, defended his teaching, asserting that his approach is rooted in descriptive anthropology rather than prescriptive theology. He stressed that his objective is to highlight the historical depth, rationality, and complexity of Hindu religious traditions.
Rejecting claims that he referred to Hinduism as a colonial construct or a political tool, Ullrey stated, “I never declared anything to be the essence of Hinduism, which would contradict both the course and my own research.” He also refuted reports that misquoted him as saying Hinduism was not an ancient, lived tradition.
He clarified that the course traces Hindu religious traditions back to the earliest scriptures of 1500 BCE and explores the development of rituals and mythologies from ancient times to the present. He asserted that his lectures address multiple perspectives on Hinduism, with no single interpretation being considered definitive.
The Controversy
The dispute began when Vasant Bhatt, a political science student at UH, accused the course of distorting Hinduism’s history and presenting it as an oppressive political tool. He filed a formal complaint with the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, alleging that the professor’s teachings misrepresented the religion.
In response, the university upheld its stance on academic freedom while acknowledging the student’s concerns. It reiterated that the course is part of a broader academic effort to understand religious movements and is not intended to promote any particular ideology or perspective.
As discussions continue, the controversy has sparked debates on how Hinduism is represented in academic settings, with students and scholars weighing in on the balance between religious sensitivity and academic inquiry.
