Introduction

BEYOND TOLERANCE: A CAMPUS RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY KIT

INTRODUCTION

Survey results indicate that religious diversity on campuses is on the rise, and the realization that we need to accommodate that diversity is also increasing.  In response, more and more colleges, universities and independent high schools are creating new staffing, programs and facilities that take religious diversity into account.

While many student life professionals are inclined to work toward addressing this issue, they consistently raise some very essential questions, such as:

• How can we explore the impact and opportunities that religious diversity brings to our campus in general, and residential life in particular?
• How can we best prepare students for life and work in a religiously diverse world?
• What part does religious diversity play in relation to multiculturalism and our other diversity programs?
• How can campus partnerships be created between staff, faculty, students and others around religious issues?
• What new models exist for multi-faith religious and spiritual life programs?
• How can we creatively engage inter-religious conflicts on campus?
• How can we establish and communicate criteria for acceptable behavior by religious groups on campus?
• What are the best ways to celebrate the various religious holy days on campus?
• How should we approach religiously-based food issues?
• How can campus-wide rituals be inclusive of a multi-faith community?
• Should we develop multi-faith facilities?  How?
• What is the role of religion in the significant life events of our students?
• What is the role of religion and spirituality in counseling?

We hope that this kit will provide an important resource to help answer these and other questions you might have, and to aid you in the development of a richer and more comprehensive student life program.