Des Moines Register, IA
08-19-07
Religious symbols of any type do not belong in state-supported space
In response to "Selective Outrage," Aug. 12 Roses & Thistles, directed at me: I
still truly believe that religious symbols do not have a place at a state-supported,
land-grant institution. When I asked for the floor-to-ceiling Christian cross to be
removed from the chapel in the Iowa State Memorial Union, I was unaware of the
stained-glass window, which includes a Star of David and a menorah. If I had
been aware of these symbols, I would have asked for their removal as well.
Some have suggested that instead of removing the cross and Jewish symbols,
we should add symbols from other faiths as well. Since there are thousands of
religions throughout the world, which ones should we include? Only the three
faiths of Christianity, Judaism and Islam? Should we include symbols from some
of the polytheistic faiths?
My basic questions still remain: Why is a publicly supported state institution
promoting one or two religions over all others? How does the promotion of these
faiths impact students of other faiths or nonbelievers? If students want spiritual
support, why can't they attend off-campus houses of worship of their choosing?
If we are to create a truly pluralistic society, we must look at the ways in which
we are privileging some religious groups while we are marginalizing others.
Religion definitely has a place in U.S. society, but we must look at, in Alexis de
Tocqueville's terms, the "tyranny of the majority" and how it is suppressing the
rights and beliefs of the minority.
I hope that, though we may stand on differing sides on this issue, we all use this
example to help ensure that our nation, our state, our campuses and our
communities become truly open and welcoming to multiple perspectives and
diverse ways of knowing and being.
- Warren J. Blumenfeld,
assistant professor, multicultural and international curriculum studies,
Department of Curriculum and Instruction,
Iowa State University,
Ames.
In general we enjoy the Roses & Thistles column and almost always agree with
the Register editorial staff's judgment, but we must take exception with the thistle
given to Iowa State University professor Warren Blumenfeld.
The professor is not a "tiresome nag." Symbols are powerful and do matter. Put
this to the test by substituting in your mind a smiling Buddha for the traditional
Protestant cross or another nation's flag for the Stars and Stripes or the Islamic
crescent for the Star of David.
Students needing to meditate in spaces adorned with symbols of their personal
faith should seek out the many places of worship surrounding the campus, or set
aside a corner of their own private space to adorn with symbols meaningful to
them. A state institution dedicated to a pluralistic society may provide a quiet
space for meditation only if it is devoid of all symbols associated with specific
religions.
We award Blumenfeld a bouquet of roses for calling attention to the
inappropriateness of Iowa State University's favoring some religions over others.
- Ismael Hossein-Zadeh,
professor of economics,
Drake University,
Des Moines.
- Dean Wright,
professor emeritus of sociology, Drake University, Des Moines.
- the Rev. Vernon Naffier,
adjunct professor of religion, Grandview College, Des Moines.