The resolution called for a nondenominational reflection room, but died with four votes against and two abstentions. William Knisley, SC community affairs chair, said the committee voted against it because their research showed no permanent space available on campus, and they felt housing different religious organizations in one room would create problems.
SC science senator Marjana Sarker said she originally authored the resolution because she thought the university needed a common prayer and quiet room.
“I think that something like this would really promote diversity and unity, and make people understand each other better,” Sarker said.
Though Sarker is Muslim, she said she wanted to make it clear that the room would have been for every student.
Becky Robinson, graduate psychology student and Free Thinkers of UTA president, said she didn’t understand why the resolution was needed. She said she feels there are plenty of quiet spaces on campus.
“[Free Thinkers of UTA] just think it should be an even playing ground for all faiths, including those who have none,” Robinson said. “It seems like a bit much to expect the university to provide it.”
Organizations are permitted to reserve and use buildings and grounds as long as it doesn’t contradict the constitutional and statutory restrictions on the use of state property for religious or political purposes, according to Section 1 of the UT System rules and regulations.
Carter Bedford, Student Governance and Organizations associate director, said any organization could come to him and reserve a room.
“Room reservation policies are there for students in organizations, but I am not sure about availability every day,” Bedford said.
He also said he couldn’t guarantee the same room every time.
Changing rooms every day would be confusing and a last resort, said Azim Ansari, architecture freshman and Muslim Student Association president.
“If you have 30 people showing up at a different room every time, there would be so many communication errors,” Ansari said.
UTA is not the only university to have students request a reflection room.
Southern Methodist University has a quiet room for students to get away, said Aisha U-kiu, SMU political science senior and Muslim Student Association president. She said the room houses about 20 students and is for all groups on campus, though the Muslim students use it the most.
“Whatever faith you are from, college is a time when you are swamped with all sorts of things,” U-kiu said. “You need a place to get away from it all.”
She said SMU helped accommodate Muslim students by reserving four rooms for a Friday prayer time. Because the Muslim faith has specific requirements for praying, three of the rooms are used for praying while the fourth room holds their shoes and belongings. The university helped the students acquire the fourth room because their shoes, which were left in the hall, were disturbing other students.
U-kiu said SMU’s Student Senate has been working with about 150 members of its Muslim Student Association to improve accommodations.
John Hall, Administration and Campus Operations vice president, said he thought the resolution was a church and state issue. He also said what the room was named would impact establishing a room to pray or meditate.
“If you called it the ‘prayer room’ it would probably raise the eyebrows of some,” Hall said.
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