AHSCRTD [Ad Hoc Study Committee on Religious Tolerance and Diversity]Highlights of Report to Senate

Presented April 20, 2012

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First... Thanks

Committee members: Hussam Timani- Associate Professor, Religious StudiesGraham Schweig- Professor, Religious StudiesRoberta Rosenberg- Professor, EnglishPamela Pringle- Instructor, LuterMario Mazzarella- Professor, HistoryStephanie Bardwell- Associate Professor, Luter; Senate VP, Chair

Important Facilitators in Actions Undertaken:Deb Moore- Invaluable Survey assistance

Bill Brauer- Other campus contacts Cindi Perry- Liaison and communication aid

Bill Connell- Website notice for our Meeting dates and times

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AHSCRTD Overview of Study & Report

1. Executive Summary of Report2. Charge to Committee3. Practices and Processes of AHSCRTD4. Creation & Administration of Survey5. Survey Findings6. Other Campus Practices7. Recommendations of the Committee

onSeveral Key Principles & Topics

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Executive Summary

Committee concept: Getting Started Week 2011

Multiple Issues: Religious and non-religious perspectives, anti and pro religious viewpoints, on campus chapel, university practices at ceremonies, et al

Charge to the Committee by Senate PresidentPractices and Processes of AHSCRTDCreation & Administration of Survey

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Charge to the Committee“Charge: Given the building of the

CNU chapel, the committee will study religious diversity on campus and student attitudes towards religious tolerance in order to understand the ways that CNU's present state of religious engagement enforces or challenges CNU's liberal arts mission. The committee will present a report to the Faculty Senate by the end of the 2011-12 academic year.”

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Practices and Processes of AHSCRTD

Open forumAdvance notice of all meetings on Faculty Senate

websiteMet at least once each month August-April

between 4-6PM Wednesdays in BTC [ enjoyed readily available parking convenience]

Others who attended all or part of our meetings included: campus ministers[6], former and current students [2], other faculty [1]

Free exchange of ideasCollaborative Tasks Consensus on Actions & Outcomes

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Creation & Administration of Survey

Survey of Faculty, Administrators, Students and Staff was initial goal. AHSCRTD asked for input on creating survey questions from CM; the AHSCRTD wrote an original survey.

Obtained Faculty list and permission to administer survey to faculty.

“Wait-listed” on all others; reasons included: survey fatigue, difficulty to obtain contact info on staff, timing, etc.

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Creation & Administration of Survey...

Survey Purpose states:“This part of the survey was commissioned by the Faculty Senate Ad Hoc Study Committee on Religious Tolerance and Diversity [AHSCRTD] to inquire about the attitudes of the CNU community upon issues related to religious tolerance, diversity, our forthcoming university Chapel and to request suggestions and comments from our community about these topics. This survey was created as an opportunity for expression as well as to gather anecdotal data about these important issues....”

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Creation & Administration of Survey

Statement of Purpose continued...“...All responses will be treated as confidential information and reported in aggregate form only. Members of the study committee will include the results of this survey in a report expected to be published to the Senate in late April 2012 or early May 2012 and results will be available on the Faculty Senate webpage...”

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Creation & Administration of SurveyAHSCRTD created 7 SURVEY statements each

permitting a Likert scale response ranging from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree.

There were 7 discrete options along the Likert scale, including a central option “Neither Agree nor Disagree” as a proxy for the Neutral response.

Each of these 7 SURVEY statements also permitted a comment to be written by the respondent.

ALSO- 5 purely open-ended questions were posed inviting commentary.

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SURVEY details and FINDINGSSurvey was formatted into Qualtrics

software working with Deb Moore and was electronically tested by committee; it was edited again for improved clarity.

Potential respondents were re-evaluated; Staff, Students and Administrator permissions were deferred or temporarily denied. Full faculty access was obtained and the survey [combined with 2 others] was emailed out.

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SURVEY

Survey was sent out via email using Qualtrics software to all faculty* in UAEC database.

Population [393] of faculty Respondents [166] by faculty Rate of response [~42%] Open dates: January 25-February 8, 2012 Bundled with two other surveys; one also

commissioned by the Faculty Senate, the other created by another unrelated group.

*Note: Includes adjuncts

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SURVEY FINDINGS

Responses to Initial 7 Statements follow in seven slides. Pie charts ID the item, depict n value, state the mean and note Standard Deviation.

Pie chart color scheme key:Gradient shades of BLUE for Strongly Agree, Agree and Somewhat Agree values.Grey depicts neutral response. Gradient shades of RED for Strongly Disagree, Disagree and Somewhat Disagree values.

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Q 1:n=164, Mean 3.75/7, SD 1.63

Statement #1. The campus community is com-fortable with the degree of religious diversity on

campusStrongly Agree

Agree

Somewhat Agree

Neutral

Somewhat Disagree

Disagree

Stongly Disagree

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Q 2:n=166, Mean 3.55/7, SD 1.63

Statement #2. CNU encourages sensitivity to religious practices and holidays [holy days] of various religions and understanding diversity

Strongly Agree

Agree

Somewhat Agree

Neutral

Somewhat Disagree

Disagree

Stongly Disagree

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Q 3:n=164, Mean 3.50/7, SD 1.82

Statement # 3. There should be a gathering place or dedicated space for ministers and chaplains

Strongly Agree

Agree

Somewhat Agree

Neutral

Somewhat Disagree

Disagree

Stongly Disagree

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Q 4:n=165, Mean 4.48/7, SD 1.77

Statement # 4. The CNU campus community treats all religious tradi-tions equally

Strongly Agree Agree

Somewhat Agree Neutral

Somewhat Disagree Disagree

Stongly Disagree

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Q 5:n=165, Mean 3.56/7, SD 2.24

Statement #5. I am comfortable with a chapel being housed on a state university campus

Strongly Agree

Agree

Somewhat Agree

Neutral

Somewhat Disagree

Disagree

Stongly Disagree

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Q 6:n=165, Mean 3.73/7, SD 2.31

Statement # 6. I am concerned about religious references in bene-dictions, invocations or in the selection process of the religious representative at significant university events (ex. Graduation,

Honor Code invocation)

Strongly Agree

Agree

Somewhat Agree

Neutral

Somewhat Disagree

Disagree

Stongly Disagree

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Q 7:n=166, Mean 3.11/7, SD 1.88

Statement # 7. The Chapel can be of service to the CNU community and be well integrated into our University mission

Strongly Agree

Agree

Somewhat Agree

Neutral

Somewhat Disagree

Disagree

Stongly Disagree

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COMMENTS FROM SURVEYQUESTION # 1: “The campus community is comfortable with the degree of religious diversity on campus.” Comments

Positive or offers positive view or observation

2 “The campus diversity mirrors religious diversity of this area of the state”

Non-committal 5 “I’m reluctant to speak for anyone else”

Critical or offers negative criticism

12 “Very strong Christian focus that can disenfranchise students of other religions”

Not relevant to question or objects to question posed

3 “This is an awful question-how can I answer for the community. Isn’t that the purpose of a survey? And what can we do about religious diversity anyway? Recruit religious minorities? Accept fewer Christians? Bias is showing through on this question.”

TOTAL # COMMENTS 22

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COMMENTS FROM SURVEYQUESTION # 2: CNU encourages sensitivity to religious practices and holidays [holy days] of various religions, and understands diversity.

Positive or offers positive view or observation

3 “The Provost’s Office has issued memos reminding faculty to allow students to miss class without penalty for religious observances, such as the Jewish high holy days” and “I can only say that I haven’t noticed any insensitivity by the administration”

Non-committal 2 “I hope so”

Critical or offers negative criticism 5 “Basic lack of awareness is the problem”

Not relevant to question or objects to question posed

1 “Is that even serious? what other nonjudeo [sic] christian holidays do we have off?”

TOTAL # COMMENTS 11

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COMMENTS FROM SURVEY

QUESTION #3 There should be a gathering place or dedicated space for campus ministers and chaplains.

Positive or offers Positive view or observation

5 “Colleges are academic institutions. As such they should encourage understanding of the multitude of religions practiced around the world. The professors who perform those rituals should have a place to perform them properly.”

I am religiously unaffiliated, yet value the many traditions and faiths and their spiritual leaders. We’re going to have a Chapel, but itinerant chaplains as things stand. Of course they should have a space.”

Critical or offers negative criticism 5 I Strongly Disagree. This is a State University, religious practices should

be neither encouraged or discouraged.”Not relevant to question or objects to question posed

2 “Loaded question: if we have on staff campus ministers (how about rabbis?) and chaplains, why would we say no to a gathering space for them?”

TOTAL # COMMENTS 12

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COMMENTS FROM SURVEYQUESTION # i: “On the CNU campus, what is the role of faith-based organizations, such as interfaith ministry, intervarsity, Hillel, in campus life?” Comments

Positive or offers positive view or observation

65 “The role is to improve the spiritual lives of students. Academics does wonders for the mind, but very little to nourish the soul.”

Non-committal 11 “This question should be really directed to students–not appropriate for faculty–since much if not all of campus life is driven by 4700+ students–and very little by 250+ faculty.”

Critical or offers negative criticism

7 “I feel that faith-based organizations should not be highlighted as one of CNU’s strong points. Especially when recruiting future CNU students in the scientific/evolutionary programs.”

Not relevant or objects to question posed

5 No example

TOTAL # COMMENTS

88

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COMMENTS FROM SURVEYQUESTION # ii: “How should use of the chapel be determined?”-Comments

Relevant responses addressing “use” of the chapel

74 “By committee” 22 responses“By regular scheduling practices” 18 responses“For any event, religious or secular” 12 responses“All religions equally served” 11 responses“First come first served” 5 responses“Faith groups given priority” 3 responses“Exclusively religious use” 3 responses

Non-committal 4 “I don’t know”

Critical or offers negative criticism

3 “it would be my hope that the building would be renamed and repurposed for general campus use unrelated to religious expression” and also, “not at all.”

Not relevant to question or objects to question posed

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TOTAL # COMMENTS 85

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COMMENTS FROM SURVEY

QUESTION # iii: By whom should the use of the chapel be determined?-Comments.Most popular Responsive Suggestion- similar concepts

25 “By university committee”

Popular response 16 “Scheduling Office”

Popular response 12 “Administrative support person”

Popular response 8 “Campus ministers/ministry.”

Miscellaneous responses 20 “Independent administrator not subject to

outside pressure”, “First come first served”, “Whoever wants to get married at a University.”

Humorous or Facetious responses 5 “A bean counter.”

TOTAL # COMMENTS 86

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COMMENTS FROM SURVEYQUESTION # iv: As we anticipate the opening of the chapel, what are the potential educational opportunities for the campus community? Comments

Popular religious or spiritual suggestions

18 “A place to go in times of trial, confusion, seeking; a sanctuary of quiet serenity; one-on-one and small group conferences pertaining to spiritual matters; and exposure to less familiar points of view, practices and rites.”

What CNU should encourage

17 “There are[sic] a wealth of opportunities if the chapel is truly used as an interfaith space. Opportunities dwindle if the CNU community views the chapel as more available or welcome to only one or two faiths. If it is an open and inviting space to all perspectives, students can be encouraged to engage in critical thinking and dialogue about these various perspectives.”

Comparison with other universities

5 “Chapel at my undergrad state supported institution was used for concerts, visiting speakers, organization installations, and other non-religious activities. I am sure that people could reserve the space for religious ceremonies, weddings and possibly funerals. I hope CNU has an open policy like that-open for non-religious as well as religious activities.”

Educational Opportunities

14 “There are wonderful opportunities for both interfaith and sectarian education and religious observance. But who will decide on use of the chapel when competing groups require the space at the same time. Also, no official activities should be held in the Chapel- the rights of the non-religious student must be observed too.”

Objection posed 12 “The chapel should have no educational role and should never be a place that students or faculty or anyone is required or expected to visit.”

TOTAL # COMMENTS

66

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COMMENTS FROM SURVEYQUESTION # v: What else should the Ad Hoc Study Committee on Religious

Tolerance and Diversity consider? Comments. Wide range of concerns and suggestions – these include perceived objectionable practices, political correctness concerns, free expression concerns, establishment concerns, and others.

32 “Religious intolerance by those who despise the religious freedoms of others”.“Separation of church and state”.“I do not believe that Christmas celebrations and Bible Study groups at the President’s home are appropriate at a public university”.“That polytheistic religions (not Christianity, Judaism or Islam) have an equal right to use the chapel if they wish to do so”.“Let’s stop being afraid of acknowledging the importance of God and religion in the lives of the majority”.“The question about concern for religious references and representatives at University functions and ceremonies should be given more attention. If these functions are mandatory, and many of them are for faculty and students, a diversity of perspectives should be represented OR any religious association avoided whatsoever. The extent to which any particular religion is promoted at a state institution is concerning overall.”

Satisfied 5 “The topics you are looking into seem adequate.” Offers suggestion – or Asks question Wide range of topics

12 “I think keeping the Chapel non-denominational and open to all should be the goal of the committee”.“Making such a space available to the CNU community is not an endorsement of any particular religion. I do not oppose the implicit endorsement of religion itself as part of a student’s wellbeing any more than I do building a rec center.(You don’t have to go.) The minority that rejects religion should not exercise a veto over the majority (or Plurality) that embraces some form of spirituality. And given the role of religion in public affairs across the globe, we would dedicate space for confronting these issues directly, and not through shrouded or snarky asides in a classroom.”“Drop the label of “chapel”. Find another name. Spiritual Center or House of Reflection or Center for Inner Peace or Temple. No more prayer/benediction for university events (graduation, etc.). Where do the agnostics and atheists go?”

Suggestion related to policy

3 “How will the maintenance and monthly expenses the building incurs be paid for if it is a privately funded enterprise? Will state funds pay for the electric and water bills?”

TOTAL # COMMENTS 52

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Other Campus Practices [in full Report] St. Paul's Chapel - the chapel of Columbia University, NY Memorial Chapel - a non-denominational building on the

campus of the University of Maryland, College Park Wren Chapel - the oldest University chapel in the United States

and located on the campus of the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA.

Heinz Memorial Chapel -of the University of Pittsburgh Sage Chapel -at Cornell University University of Seattle has several chapels. “Chapel of Saint

Ignatius is the principal Roman Catholic chapel of Seattle University. Immaculate Conception Chapel is primarily for personal prayer and liturgies for small groups. The Ecumenical Chapel is primarily for the celebration of Christian and ecumenical worship. The Multifaith Prayer Room is primarily for prayer and religious services for Buddhist, Hindi, Jewish, Muslim and other members of the Seattle University community.

Virginia Tech War Memorial and Memorial Chapel

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AHSCRTD RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Study facilities use [e.g. Chapels] on other campuses [public and private] to maximize satisfaction of all constituencies –

We have included sample policies from other schools in full report.

2. Sponsor annual seminars/forums on topics suggested by faculty in their comments.We have suggested sample topics in full report.

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AHSCRTD RECOMMENDATIONS

3. Adopt KEY PRINCIPLES and promote concepts of voluntariness, educational uses, interfaith programs and policies on use and scheduling of the chapel.

We have included simple explanations of these Key Principles as well as sample policies on scheduling from other schools in full report.

4. On occasion, conduct periodic anonymous, voluntary inquiry about how we as a university treat religion, diversity, faith and other topics which are highly sensitive to students and faculty- and which topics are private and personal, but nonetheless affect the university’s educational culture.We have suggested sample topics in full report.

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AHSCRTD RECOMMENDATIONS5. Initiate opportunities to respond to

concerns voiced in SurveyWe have identified essential issues raised by

faculty in the survey and this is included in full report.

6. Senate consider addressing the recommendations of the committee in a long term plan to promote key principles.We have suggested Senate opportunities in the full report.

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Conclusions

As a committee we were made aware of many points of view and many passionate thoughts on this complex set of topics.

We are pleased the faculty survey was executed; we could not have managed additional inquiry via surveys of other campus groups.

We expect the experiences at other university campuses will helpfully inform our future experiences.

The committee thanks all who participated in the search for information, the survey and the meetings; and for voicing your individual views.