Photo by Another Believer via Wikipedia Commons
The University of Houston defended its online course about Hinduism after an Indian American student accused it of “Hinduphobia.”
Vasant Bhatt claimed the course, taught by Professor Aaron Ullrey, portrays Hinduism as a “colonial construct,” calls Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “Hindu fundamentalist,” and links Hindu identity to extremism, reports India Today Digital. He called the content biased and inaccurate and demanded an investigation.
Hindu on Campus, a student advocacy group, echoed Bhatt’s concerns, stating the course “delegitimizes Hindu identity,” according to Times of India.
UH responded by affirming the course is based in religious studies, which uses terms like “fundamentalism” analytically, not politically. “Such terminology helps understand religious movements across traditions,” the university said in a statement to India Today Digital.
Professor Ullrey clarified that calling Modi a fundamentalist was based on academic definitions, not personal judgment. UH added that it does not monitor individual lectures but ensures courses meet academic standards. The university is reviewing the concerns.
The incident has renewed debate over how Hinduism is portrayed in U.S. academia. Activists warn such content fuels stereotypes and contribute to rising Hinduphobia, especially amid ongoing cultural and immigration tensions.
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