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Public prayer controversial

By Samantha Waggoner

On October 21, 2009

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Public prayer occurs twice a year at Norwich University functions, at convocation and commencement, and while it is done in an inclusive manner, some students, staff and faculty question whether it should happen at all.

On Sept. 4, NU President Richard Schneider sent out a memo to the Faculty Senate, the staff council and the student government seeking advice on the issue of public prayer.

In the memo Schneider recognized that several years ago the issue of public prayer had been brought up. He had decided that prayer would be offered twice a year, at convocation and commencement, as well as at any other traditional chapel service like the Baccalaureate.

Schneider additionally noted in the memo that public prayer would not occur at other meetings unless given permission.

"A couple years ago I had gotten a petition signed by primarily faculty, some staff as well," Schneider said. "My memory would say maybe 30 people [signed it] that felt that it wasn't appropriate to be praying at public academic gatherings, like convocation and commencement."

This year the issue of public prayer has resurfaced again. "I don't know what prompted it again, that's an interesting question, but I think people were still upset with my answer," Schneider said.

This past summer, a mandatory meeting was held that included a prayer. This caused concern among some faculty, according to Associate Professor of History Rowly Brucken, a member of the Faculty Senate.

"This year it became an issue because we were made aware of a meeting that was required for staff to attend and which there was a prayer given by the head staff person," Brucken said. "At least one person that I know of thought that it was a coercive kind of prayer."

The concern was not that prayer was being held during meetings, but that the meeting was mandatory, so faculty had to be present at the meeting where prayer occurred.

"People felt this way because it wasn't voluntary, it was by the staff person in a staff meeting and they felt very uncomfortable about that," Brucken said.

Because of this incident, many faculty decided to take a formal stand against the problem.

"Several of us raised the issue to the president both formally and informally which then led to the president's most recent memo," Brucken said. "He said that public prayer would only be done at two public functions, convocation and graduation."

The new rules laid out in the president's memo also restricted the way in which prayer occurred.

"In the memo it also stated that prayer had to be inclusive. It could not be devoted to one religious tradition, but had to be all inclusive and that faculty staff and students were not required to be at either function," Brucken said.

Although the issue was brought to the president's attention by the faculty and staff, many students feel strongly about it as well.

The student government was asked to give its opinion to the faculty and president on the issue.

"Because we are not a state institution, we kind of have whatever say we want. What the student government is doing on my side is we are getting ready to do a massive polling of the student body," said Sean Frederick, 21, senior student body president from Derry, N.H. "We've been asked to take a stance on the issue."

The SGA is planning on polling the student body to get a rough idea of where students' opinions on the issue lie.

Frederick said that the SGA is a little apprehensive about giving the president a set answer to the question of whether prayer should be allowed on campus, because one answer cannot account for the opinion of every student.

"I am really concerned about the notion of us taking a stance on it because I feel like that if we come out with a stance it's not going to appease everyone, just like any major issue you're not going to appease everyone," Frederick said.

There are also concerns as to what might happen if something like prayer is completely removed from the university.

"Once things are gone, they are gone forever," said Norwich University's Reverend William S. Wick. "What's next? Taking God out of the rook book?"

The presence of prayer at school is carefully planned and integrated into certain school functions.

"I don't know how I could be more gracious and careful about what I'm doing than I am. If you see some of the e-mails that have been sent that folks think I don't see but I have people that forward me copies, it's vitriolic, and I am just like give me a break," Wick said.

There may be a difference of opinions among the NU community as to where prayer is appropriate, and the level of respect for others affiliated with prayer.

"I do respect the rights for all opinions; that's why I have so carefully crafted the way I have prayed, so I am praying for what I think all folks would agree we want for our students," Wick said. " A large percentage of our school does believe in God."

Convocation and commencement are not mandatory for staff and students; however, "there is always a question at a military college [about] what is truly voluntary," said Professor Robin Adler of criminal justice and sociology.

Some of the faculty who do not agree with prayer taking place at these events feel like they are supporting the prayer if they attend the events, and this causes them to miss out on being there with their students.

"I do know that there are a number of faculty members and staff that don't want us to be praying and feel like it's not right," Schneider said. "They want to go to your convocation and they feel like because they are there, they are saying they agree with it."

Because there are so many different opinions on the matter, Schneider is waiting until he has all of the information to make his decision.

"The role of religion and academics is a long traditional one here at Norwich but I am looking for advice from the three groups, and then I'm going to have to decide," Schneider said. "I've ruled on this once before but I am looking for advice. I may seek the wisdom of the Board of Trustees on this"

Norwich is not a religious institution and is not affiliated with any particular church or doctrine, according to Schneider. Prayer had always been a part of many ceremonies and events at Norwich, however.

"It's part of Norwich tradition and I'm a big guy on tradition," Schneider said.

Although Norwich is not a religiously based institution, a set a values and sentiments could be something that brings the university together more closely.

"If we had a statement of faith it would be that we are men and women of integrity and we do not lie, cheat or steal. We believe in our guiding values in the same way that some religions believe in their doctrines," said Schneider.