2008 Woodie Awards
Religious groups provoke debate on campus
Catherine Roberts
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: News
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The question arose as to whether these groups and individuals are required to obtain permission through the university in order to promote their religious agendas on campus. Concerns have also arisen in some students who have felt hassled and cornered by these groups and individuals.
"Whenever a group or entity comes to campus they usually go through the Scheduling Event Services," said Administrative Assistant for Leadership Development, Heidi Oliver.
Oliver said that their office can evaluate and approve events that come into the PSUB however, people are free to say whatever they want on campus grounds.
Last week, a couple of men roamed the Quad, passing out what they claimed to be a newly translated version of the New Testament and asking students fill out a card with their personal contact information.
According to Scheduling Event Coordinator Annette Lattin, this particular group scheduled their activities with ISU, but another group that was preaching on campus a couple of weeks ago had not scheduled their activities.
"You can't sell things, but you can hand out information," Lattin said. "There is no policy saying they can't do it on the campus grounds."
Lattin was not sure of the groups' affiliations, but said that there are some religious organizations that travel to various campuses handing out all the bibles they are allotted for that particular university. One such group, she said, is called "Bibles for America" and comes to ISU every year.
Many students and faculty have expressed mixed feelings about such preaching on campus.
"I see nothing wrong with it," said Scholarships Administrative Assistant, Susan Ross. "We get political information and religious information and that's what school is for."
Although sophomore nursing major Sean Peterson said that he believes college to be a place of discovery, he added, "I don't care for when they bash other religions."
Peterson recounted an incident when one rainy day a few weeks ago a man was standing beneath an umbrella outside of the SUB.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Helen Delahunt
posted 10/24/07 @ 7:56 AM MST
I agree with Josh Hail, there IS a huge deal about religion on this campus and in this state... and what about the LDS "Institute" smack dab in the middle of campus?
And who seems to be complaining? Those who judge the rest of us who do not subscribe to the 'local' religious persuasion?
PJ
posted 10/24/07 @ 9:25 AM MST
As an alumnus of ISU I am ashamed that a secular institution like a University is hijacked by these bible thumping hypocrits who want to push their religion down others throat. (Continued…)
Big A
posted 10/24/07 @ 1:09 PM MST
I think Helen's arguement is weak, because she is attempting to prove a point with all of her questioning.
Take some responsibilty for your own actions and quit blaming those who "are" or who "are not" part of a certain religious affiliation. (Continued…)
Alumni06
posted 10/24/07 @ 4:09 PM MST
Education is about learning different points of view. If you close your mind to everyone's point of view but your own you are depriving yourself of a true education. (Continued…)
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