The university must ask within itself, "what is our mission?" If the mission of the modern university is to enlighten young minds with learner-centered teaching, public engagement, intellectual freedom, multiculturalism, why would you promote a one-sided way of thinking by introducing religion? Religion is not the enemy of higher education by a long shot. I just feel that introducing "university approved" religions would send the wrong message to the students that did not practice them. How can you go about spouting off comments of multiculturalism and intellectual freedom, and then introduce old-hat philosophy like a government/school/official set of religious practice on campus?
People that go to a restaurant and have appreciate a nice bottle of wine would let you know, that if you fill half the bottle with water, the wine will not be any good. That is how I feel about the modern university structure we are trying to move toward in our society. We are filling the bottle with water, and not concentrating on what makes the university such a special experience. A university is an environment with open doors and open minds that provides a platform for social discourse, which creates a learning unique to any other stage in life. Anything less than that, should not be tolerated, but I guess we can no longer ask for excellence. In a society that puts more emphasis on convenience over substance, I may just have to settle for the watering down of American institutions that continue to fall behind the rest of the world.
1 comment:
Lew-- I think you make an excellent point about the university placing emphasis on a religious institution that could make those who don't practice it feel uncomfortable or as if the focus is no longer placed on academic freedoms and self-exploration, but on conformity. However, I do feel that this initiative correlates directly to the Student Affairs mission to bring forth holistic development for our students. It is impossible to deny the impact spirituality has on the lives of many and I think it would be ignorant for a place of higher learning to suppress that by just swiping it under the rug. Being a product of Berea College (non-denominational, but based on Christian tradition) has helped me not only see the importance of different religious practices on campus, but to celebrate them and their place in our day to day lives as students, workers, and educators. Is it fair that this council will get a premier office space in UC? Maybe not. Is it necessary that such places develop on our campus to support our campus’ progressive and accepting trends? Absolutely!
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