Group asks DOJ to monitor Muslim school decision

PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) -- The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations has asked the Justice Department to monitor a decision by a Washtenaw County community's planning officials about whether to allow property to be used for a Muslim school. The group said Monday it sent a letter also seeking a Justice Department investigation. CAIR-Michigan says a land use request in Pittsfield Township for the Michigan Islamic Academy, which has outgrown facilities in nearby Ann Arbor, was denied in June. The group claims anti-Muslim sentiment contributed to the decision. A formal vote is expected Aug. 4. The U.S. attorney's office in Detroit was reviewing the request. A message seeking comment from Pittsfield Township officials was left by The Associated Press. Township supervisor Mandy Grewal tells The Detroit News her community is "very diverse." Published: Wed, Jul 27, 2011