Is Houston University’s Hinduism course problematic?

A controversy has erupted regarding a course on Hinduism being offered at the University of Houston in the United States.

An Indian-American student and activist has alleged that the course presents “Hinduphobic” perspectives and distorts India’s political scenario.

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In response, the university has said that it is “reviewing the concerns raised” by the student.

What is the controversy over the course, and why has it led to a massive uproar?

Let’s take a look:

What is the row over Houston University’s Hinduism course?

The controversy is around the University of Houston’s ‘Lived Hindu Religion’ course, which is conducted online. The course includes weekly video lectures, which are delivered by Professor Aaron Michael Ullrey.

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Vasant Bhatt, a political science student at the university and an activist, has filed a complaint with the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, under which the course is offered.

Speaking to India Today Digital, he stated, “Hinduism, according to Professor Ullrey, was not an ancient, lived tradition but a colonial construct, a political tool weaponised by Hindu nationalists, and a system of oppression against minorities.”

Notably, Bhatt’s complaint concerns the course material, including a section in the syllabus that describes the term ‘Hindu’ as a modern concept not found in scriptures.

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The report said that he also pointed to a passage stating, “Hindutva, or ‘Hindu-ness’, is a term that Hindu nationalists, those who believe **Hinduism** should be the official religion of India, use to designate their religion and denigrate others, namely Islam.”

“The professor repeatedly implies that India is a Hindu nationalist state actively oppressing minorities," Bhatt claimed.

He later told the publication that the response from the dean was unsatisfactory.

“The department attempted to deflect from the core issue by questioning my process and discrediting my valid concern - rather than investigating the substance of the complaint," he said, referring to the religious studies department’s reply.

Hindu on Campus, a student-led platform advocating for diaspora Hindus against Hinduphobia, also criticised the course.

ALERT: A Hindu student at @UHouston is reported to be in a class wherein the Professor is delegitimizing Hindu identity, linking it to politics and religious extremism.

>90% of Muslims and other minority groups see themselves as proud to be Indian (Source: Pew Research Center)… pic.twitter.com/j6nBIQdbSG

— Hindu On Campus (@hinduoncampus) March 19, 2025

In a statement on X, the group said, “None of these claims are backed by evidence or data. Political disagreements are welcomed, but fabricating extremism under the basis of Hindu identity is not.”

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How did the university respond?

Shawn Lindsey, Senior Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications at the University of Houston, stated that the concerns raised were under review, India Today reported.

“The University of Houston upholds academic freedom and does not typically oversee specific faculty lectures. We do maintain curriculum oversight to ensure courses meet academic and pedagogical standards,” Lindsey said.

“We also take concerns about the validity of course content seriously. We are reviewing the concerns raised and will address the issue as needed,” he told the publication.

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When Indian American Congressman condemned Hinduphobia

In December last year, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning “Hinduphobia” as tensions over the H1-B visa system intensified amid the immigration debate.

Notably, the visa programme allows highly skilled foreign professionals to work in the United States.

Thanedar also spoke out against racism, stating that it remains an issue in the country and requires collective action.

“Racism in America is still alive and well, and we must stand up to it together,” he wrote on X.