Serving the Muslim community for 40 years, King Khalid mosque inside Shaw University campus has been a vital part of the city of Raleigh in North Carolina.

Closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the university has decided not to reopen the mosque, sparking anger and reactions from the Muslim community.

The decision, which has not been explained by the university, comes as the Christian chapel on campus, Boyd Chapel, is open to the public, and holds regular services, WRAL News reported.

📚 Read Also: Middlesbrough Mosque Expansion Plan to End Prayers in Car Park

“It is pure discrimination, pure and simple,” said Imam Juma Mussa as dozens gathered on Friday to draw attention to their plight.

“Our belief is that it is because we are Muslim,” said attorney Nigel Edwards. “This is a Baptist-affiliated university. You have one religious place of worship that’s open and another that’s not.”

In a statement, Shaw University, a private, Baptist university which is not legally required to accommodate other faiths, said the mosque is available only for enrolled students.

📚 Read Also: Muslims Open First Mosque in Troy

“As previously announced, the International Studies Center on the campus of Shaw University is open and available for use to enrolled students; access to the mosque by Shaw students is coordinated through the University’s Chaplain office,” the statement read.

The mosque and the building were built in 1983 with a million-dollar gift from the Saudi royal family with the requirement that it would house a community mosque.

“This building would not be here if it weren’t for the fact of donations of Muslims to establish this building and a mosque inside. That was the condition that Shaw University received when they accepted the money in the first place,” Edwards said.

The Muslim population in the greater Triangle area of North Carolina is extremely diverse.

Estimates place the number of Muslims living in the Triangle at over 10,000, originating
from approximately 70 countries, of which 20 percent are estimated to be American-born African American.