2008 Woodie Awards
'Peace room' may blur lines of church and state
Natalie Elder
Issue date: 11/20/06 Section: Opinion
De Anza College's proposed "Peace Room" appears to constitute a very mixed reaction from students and faculty. Some see it as a possible safe haven of solitude for those of faith, while others see it as an insult to the age old separation of church and state.
Although feelings about the room seem to be split down the middle, it seems like the peace room, if approved, will be here to stay. De Anza student Scott McDonough, the main supporter of the room, has already gained approval from the Campus Advisory Committee and space has been reserved in the Campus Center for the project if it is approved.
Even though the peace room seems to be in the definite future of the campus, the responsibility of religious neutrality now falls squarely on the shoulders of students and faculty who choose to use the room.
The peace room will certainly be put under the microscope of those skeptical of its benefits and any major controversy that may come from the intermixing of multiple faiths will speak loudly to the ability of these kinds of projects to succeed on a college campus.
The peace room's supporters are optimistic of the room's benefit to the stress management of De Anza student's as well as using it as an ideal way of helping create dialogue and expanding student 's understandings of other religions.
Of those against the peace room, some say it is walking a thin line and pushing the limits of the separation of church and state. Others feel it may be a melting pot of hate mongering towards people of opposing religions, thus creating a much less peaceful environment for students then may have been sought after.
Although the lines have been drawn, the future of the peace room now lies in the hands of the De Anza community.
Although feelings about the room seem to be split down the middle, it seems like the peace room, if approved, will be here to stay. De Anza student Scott McDonough, the main supporter of the room, has already gained approval from the Campus Advisory Committee and space has been reserved in the Campus Center for the project if it is approved.
Even though the peace room seems to be in the definite future of the campus, the responsibility of religious neutrality now falls squarely on the shoulders of students and faculty who choose to use the room.
The peace room will certainly be put under the microscope of those skeptical of its benefits and any major controversy that may come from the intermixing of multiple faiths will speak loudly to the ability of these kinds of projects to succeed on a college campus.
The peace room's supporters are optimistic of the room's benefit to the stress management of De Anza student's as well as using it as an ideal way of helping create dialogue and expanding student 's understandings of other religions.
Of those against the peace room, some say it is walking a thin line and pushing the limits of the separation of church and state. Others feel it may be a melting pot of hate mongering towards people of opposing religions, thus creating a much less peaceful environment for students then may have been sought after.
Although the lines have been drawn, the future of the peace room now lies in the hands of the De Anza community.
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