Response to “There’s No Place Like Home for
Religion”
Contrary to what some may think, it is NOT the responsibility of the university, or any state institution for that matter, to provide resources to students to practice religion. There is a doctrine called “Separation of Church and State” that prevents ESU from endorsing or supporting any religion, even if we wanted to.
So, why are there Christian and Atheist organizations on campus? Because they were started by students. Just like students interested in chess, jump roping, or ceramics have their respective organizations, students that are interested in the worship (or lack thereof) of a deity are free to express themselves. Students in RSOs can apply for funding and resources through the Associated Student Government, regardless of religious affiliation. The US constitution protects the people from religious persecution by preventing ESU from favoring one religion over another.
So then why do Christian organizations vastly outnumber organizations of other religious affiliation? This is more likely due to demographics than any fault of the University community. If this was a school in the Middle East, we could expect Islamic organizations to vastly outnumber all other religious organizations. But this is Emporia, Kansas. The majority of people that live here practice Christianity, so it is reasonable that the number of Christian clubs and institutions reflects that.
A 5 minute search through Hornet Life reveals that, in addition to Christian and Atheist organizations, there are religious and cultural interest groups that anyone is free to join, such as the Muslim Students Association (MSA), UMOJA, European Club, Japanese Sakura, Chinese Students and Scholars Association, Arab Student Culture Association, HALO, and Black Student Union. In addition, if any student feels as though their culture or religion is not represented by an RSO, they are free, and in fact encouraged to, start their own club through the Center for Student Involvement. All it takes is at least 3 interested members, a 50 signature petition, and approval through the student Senate.
I urge everyone to explore the list of over 180 clubs and organizations on the Hornet Life website to find one that interests them. If they can’t find one that peaks their interests, then they should start their own. ASG has approved the creation of many new RSOs this school year – yours could be next!
John Morgan