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The last we heard was that the American government and the local communities had issues with ethnic groups starting their own schools and colleges. The government of America even had a problem with schools in Arizona conducting ethnic study classes. This is simply because the government thinks that such classes are the propagandist in nature and that these will brainwash the kids against the regular American children and so on.

However, there is a new college that is functioning in Berkeley California. This is the Zaytuna College and it is not seeking proper accreditation as the first ever Muslim college in the United States of America. The name of this college is derived form Arabic.

Given the current situation across the nation and even the education system that is still reeling with the aftermath of the recession, the accreditation of Zaytuna College may take years. But the authorities are hell bent of getting one. This is because once they are graded, it will help their students earn financial aid and also because the college will then be recognised by the government, the employees will be able to get various perks from the government like the others in the education system.

The Zaytuna College is relatively new as its first class was held this summer. At the college, the students will do intensive Arabic studies so that they can be prepared for various courses in the fall of next year.

The students here have to sit separately; men and women sit in opposite rows. Most men wear skull caps and have beards. Women wear scarves on their head. One has a choice between two subjects here to major in. one is the Islamic Law and the other Arabic language or religion. However, the students also study American history, anthropology, literature, political science and of course philosophy.

The idea of such a college spells relief for many Muslim citizens in America. Having lived there forever, many parents are of the opinion that their children lose out on the culture and ethnicity. However, such a move in the past has only resulted in turmoil amongst the regular American communities. Try as much, most of them feel that such colleges or schools teaching a particular ethnic study group has always something problematic going on.

Plus there is a feeling that this is being done to divide the people of America. This means that because kids belonging to ethnic groups go to ethnic schools they do not want to mix with the regular kids. This raises tension amongst the kids and of course, it will go on to create major issues in the future.

However, the government can stop this. They can whole heartedly support such ethnic colleges and help them to be accepted in the society. When this happens, people will also learn to accept them. Therefore, all the so-called tension will be eradicated. And these schools and colleges do teach other subjects as well. therefore, there are common grounds.