On the internet, the myth about so-called Gulen Charter Schools considerably flourishes lately. Looks like people are starting to believe in the lie they made up!
Fethullah Gulen-inspired schools are non-religious private institutions sponsored by generous entrepreneurs, altruistic educators, and dedicated parents. Using cutting-edge instructional technology and having already demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, many of these schools rank among the most prestigious educational institutions in their respective countries. Each school follows the curriculum of the host country, with the language of instruction is English. The schools provide scholarships for students who cannot afford the tuition. As many people have observed, Gulen-inspired schools are symbols of peaceful coexistence and dedication to the service of humanity. They also serve as an environment for peaceful coexistence, especially in conflict-ridden regions such as the Philippines, Macedonia, Afghanistan, Northern Iraq, Bosnia, and Kenya. (Quoted from Fethullah Gulen: Biographical Album published by the Gulen Institute).
As for some charter schools in the United States, they are not so-called Gulen charter schools. We cannot call these schools Gulen-inspired schools or Gulen charter schools, because first of all there is no tuition charged in those schools. Gulen-inspired schools are private institutions with some considerable amount of tutitions most of the time. Besides, they are continuously funded by aforementioned generous contributors.
Secondly, there is no contribution to these schools from generous entrepreneurs, altruistic educators, and dedicated parents as in the example of Gulen-inspired schools. Those schools are granted money from some foundations such as Gates Foundation and Dell Foundation, but those grants are provided within the frame of certain projects such as Texas High School Project.
Moreover, the officials of these charter schools deny any kind of formal relationship with Fethullah Gulen, who is neither the honorary president of any of these schools nor is he in their PTOs or boards.
As a scholar, I also do not put so-called Gulen charter schools in Gulen-inspired schools category. Those charter schools are definitely outside the Gulen-inspired schools realm.
