By Caitlin McCaul | Staff Writer –
According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, religious dormitories are establishing themselves in several universities around the country. Typically appealing to students uninterested in a party atmosphere, these quiet and communal living areas cater to spiritual nourishment.
Different from a quiet floor ordinarily located in a standard dorm, these floors, and in some cases whole buildings, contain small chapel services and Bible study. Students are also prohibited from using drugs and alcohol on the premises, even if they are over 21.
Although the dorms are open to all faiths, the students that chose to reside in them are primarily Catholic. The main concept that emerges from this religious interaction is the encouragement of interfaith dialogue. Students who join the program claim that it is necessary to be close to faith at a time of their lives when most teenagers are turning away from religion.
Colleges such as Texas A&M University, Troy University, Florida Institute of Technology-Kingsville and University of Nebraska-Lincoln have allowed religious dorms to emerge onto their campus. Seeing as the living quarters are privately funded, the colleges themselves are not financially involved in these operations.
When asking students at Salve their stance on religious dorms, their reactions were varied. Kaylin Harrington, a sophomore, is “shocked that it is even a thing” and doubts that many people are aware of such programs. Harrington admits that she can see the comfort appeal that these dorms can provide, but also believes that “college is a time to grow and step out of that comfort zone.” On the contrary, another student at Salve, Bob Volle, has an indifferent stance on the subject. Volle “wouldn’t have a problem with it as long as no one is forced into it.”
The Freedom from Religion Foundation, however, is protesting against colleges implementing religious dorms on their campuses. The issue in regard to their concern is separation of church and state. Many of the universities involved are public, meaning they are both publically and government funded. It should be unlawful, then, for the school (i.e. state) to favor religion (i.e. church) over non-religion.
