The debate about the construction of a “Ground Zero Mosque” is filled with irrationality.

A proposed Islamic center two blocks away from Ground Zero, which will be called Park 51, would house this mosque. The center will focus on positive outreach into the community.

Park 51 would also serve to help Americans heal from the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

If approved, Park 51 will be a 13-story Islamic community center that will feature a culinary center, a basketball court and an art studio in addition to a mosque.

It would be open to the general public and would strive to “bring the best of the world to New York City, and New York City’s energy, diversity, and aspirations to the world,” according to Park51.org.

The aspirations of this center include education, recreation and a place of relaxation to escape the pressures of the busy city life, according to Park51.org. Through this center, the Muslim community would be able to reach out to people of all faiths in order to promote these aspirations.

Opponents of the mosque say it would be a disrespectful to the families who suffered on Sept. 11, 2001, since it would be built in such close proximity to Ground Zero, where the World Trade Center towers once stood.

The debate about the construction of Park 51 tramples on religious freedom, said Michael Bloomberg, New York City’s mayor, while speaking on The Daily Show.

Bloomberg said the opponents of the proposed building should be ashamed.

Hanan Hasson, former president of Sacramento State’s Muslim Students’ Association, feels the same way.

“As a citizen of America, Muslims have equal protection under the First Amendment,” Hasson said.

In this country the First Amendment guarantees the freedom of religion. Building a mosque within the Islamic center will simply serve to let Muslims freely practice their religion.

The vocal opponents of the mosque seem to ignore that Muslims, who are equal citizens like all Americans, share this right. Sarah Palin, former Republican presidential candidate, is one such opponent.

Palin called out on her Twitter profile for “peace-seeking Muslims to refudiate the plan, in the interest of healing.”

This request implies that Muslims somehow shared responsibility in the World Trade Center attacks, when there is no absolute proof of this.

The faulty premise that many Americans share is that the only way to heal from the terrorist attacks is by pushing Muslims away.

This premise has likely caused the fight about the mosque construction plans.

Mark Brown, government professor, feels that Americans have a skewed view of Islamic terrorism.

“Some Americans seem to assume that Islamic terrorism is a direct product of Islam,” Brown said. “There are many different versions of Islam, the vast majority of them opposed to terrorism.”

In order for the healing to be complete, Americans must put aside their Islamophobia and accept others, no matter their religion.

Malina Dunk, Folsom Lake College history professor, said the best way to address fear is through education.

“The more people understand the complexity of Islam, and stop associating the religion and culture with aggression and hate, the better off we will all be,” Dunk said.

Park 51 is meant as an educational tool for Americans. To oppose this project is to oppose a step forward in rebuilding a more tolerant and knowledgeable America.

Matt DeStefanocan be reached at [email protected]