RAs, students share mixed feelings
Officials plan to codify policy on religious practices in dorms
DJ Slater
Issue date: 11/10/05 Section: Campus News
It came as a surprise for senior Mike Palumbo when he heard about the policy forbidding RAs from leading religious, political or ideological activities in their rooms and residence halls.
Palumbo, a Sutherland resident who attends Christian Bible studies regularly, said while he understands the university's concern, he doesn't believe it is acting fairly in regards to an RA's rights.
"There's no one RA that can please everyone on the floor," Palumbo said. "Being a Bible study leader, I've never heard anyone on the floor saying, 'Oh, my stupid RA. He's a Bible study leader.' "
Senior Dawn Snyder, however, believes the policy is in the best interest of the residents. If RAs were allowed to lead these activities in their rooms or halls, it could create an unfriendly environment for some residents, Snyder, an RA in Oakridge Hall, said.
"I know if I had a resident who had an abortion, if I was leading a Bible study in my room, I know they wouldn't feel comfortable talking to me about it," Snyder said. "People are just forgetting that there's that side of it too."
Since the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education sent a letter to the university on Oct. 10 questioning this policy, the topic has garnered mixed opinions on campus.
The issue began on July 26 when senior RA Lance Steiger received a letter from Deborah Newman, associate director of Housing and Residence Life, stating he couldn't lead a Bible study in his room or residence hall.
Steiger contacted FIRE after his dialogue with the university didn't improve, he said. After UW-Eau Claire received FIRE's letter, university officials began reviewing and analyzing the policy. The university has not officially responded to FIRE's letter, said Robert Shibley, a FIRE program manager.
Palumbo, a Sutherland resident who attends Christian Bible studies regularly, said while he understands the university's concern, he doesn't believe it is acting fairly in regards to an RA's rights.
| "There's no one RA that can please everyone." -Mike Palumbo Junior |
"There's no one RA that can please everyone on the floor," Palumbo said. "Being a Bible study leader, I've never heard anyone on the floor saying, 'Oh, my stupid RA. He's a Bible study leader.' "
Senior Dawn Snyder, however, believes the policy is in the best interest of the residents. If RAs were allowed to lead these activities in their rooms or halls, it could create an unfriendly environment for some residents, Snyder, an RA in Oakridge Hall, said.
"I know if I had a resident who had an abortion, if I was leading a Bible study in my room, I know they wouldn't feel comfortable talking to me about it," Snyder said. "People are just forgetting that there's that side of it too."
Since the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education sent a letter to the university on Oct. 10 questioning this policy, the topic has garnered mixed opinions on campus.
The issue began on July 26 when senior RA Lance Steiger received a letter from Deborah Newman, associate director of Housing and Residence Life, stating he couldn't lead a Bible study in his room or residence hall.
Steiger contacted FIRE after his dialogue with the university didn't improve, he said. After UW-Eau Claire received FIRE's letter, university officials began reviewing and analyzing the policy. The university has not officially responded to FIRE's letter, said Robert Shibley, a FIRE program manager.
Be the first to comment on this story