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The Muslim Student Union (MSU) is a student organization at the University of California Irvine.

Mission

The MSU takes part in the UCI campus with various programs from humanitarian to religious to political. It "attempts to build an environment that enhances good, discourages bad, and provides networks of resources, knowledge, people, and companionship to its members." [1]

Significant Events

Daniel Pipes Event

In January 2007, members of the Muslim Student Union were involved in a vocal interruption of Daniel Pipes' lecture at UC Irvine.

Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren Speech

Eleven students were arrested as part of a protest against a campus speech by Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren. It was not clear if those arrested were members of the Muslim Student Union but reports said those arrested echoed a statement released by the MSU. ^[1] The Muslim Student Union denied that any arrested were a part of their organization. ^[2] The MSU had issued a press release condemning his presence on the campus. They criticized Oren as "an outspoken supporter of the recent war on Gaza and stands in the way of international law by refusing to cooperate with the United Nation’s Goldstone Report a fact-finding mission endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council." [2]

Muhammad Cartoons Protest

Hundreds attended an MSU campus demonstration protesting the publication of cartoons of Muhammad by the Danish newspaper by the UCI College Republicans. The event was mainly made up by Irvine community members. .^[3]

Alleged Funding of Hamas

In May 2009, the Muslim Student Union hosted British Parliament Member, and founder of Viva Palestina, George Galloway for a speech at UC Irvine. During the event, funds were raised for Viva Palestina. The MSU violated UCI Policy by not informing the University that the event would be a fundraiser. In addition, George Galloway and Viva Palestina are currently under investigation for funding Hamas, a US Designated Terror Organization.

Allegations of Anti-Semitism

Condemnation from UC President Mark Yudof

In a public letter written by UC President Mark Yudof regarding the Muslim Student Union's event titled "Israel: The Politics of Genocide", Yudof wrote "Permit me now to remove my cap and gown and to exercise my First Amendment rights as private citizen. In my opinion, the title of the series is virulent, historically inaccurate, and offensive to Jewish people everywhere."

Anti-Defamation League

The Anti Defamation League has described the Muslim Student Union as being "responsible for staging large events every spring featuring virulently anti-Semitic speakers." ^[4]

References