Thesis Statement

From 1981-1988, Antelope, Oregon, was taken over by the followers of Osho, the leader of the cult called the Rajneesh. Residents of the town protested the 7000 followers that moved to the commune, claiming land rights were being violated, and it was the responsibility of the government to remove them. The Rajneesh claimed they were expressing their religious rights, and it was discrimination. Tensions culminated with charges of bio-terrorism, attempted murder, and immigration fraud against the Rajneesh. This ended with Osho's deportation from the U.S. for his multiple crimes and land rights violations, as well as new laws being formed.