Comments on: You gotta fight for the right to pray

By: John Omar

John Omar — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:52:35 +0000

Ughhh, someone needs to shut-down this meditating arena in the Annandale Library. Some Muslims are very loud and i get frustrated since its hard to concentrate while they pray and sing. I just wish they could keep it DOWN, that is all i wish. I have nothing against Muslims, its just that when you are studying for your midterms or final exams one goes to the library because its quiet and peaceful. Sometimes i get very frustrated and takes over me and noises in my head tells me to go there and tell them to shut the ekk up!, but i don’t do it because i am very religious too.

By: Sashi

Sashi — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:21:55 +0000

I thought the story of the group praying together was very interesting and after what happened, disappointing at the same time. The fact that this article has become so popular with, to my knowledge, the most comments shows how much religion interests all of us.

It would definitely be a very good idea to have a little room for ALL religions where EVERYONE could go and pray, because just like our campuses spend so much on things from sports to thousands of other activities to keep us active and make it a good experience for all of us, this can also be solved.

WHEN THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY!

I do not know about others but the manassas campus librarian would definitely appreciate it if I didn’t ask her to open the lecture room 3 times a day for me

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:44:21 +0000

I find the article interesting. Personally, I would not mind if a room was set aside as a quiet room, a place where you go to have some peace and quite. I’ve been attending the Alexandria campus for a while now, and every time I head for class I notice that there is never a time that every room is filled with students. Even a rotating designated quiet room would work fine as long as there were little charts to show when a particular room is open and at what times. This, however, is my personal opinion. I don’t mind if other people pray in my presence, as long as they’re not trying to force any beliefs on me. Never have I had someone try to force any beliefs on me in the past, so I have no reason to believe that a quiet room would be blown out of proportion.

However, I can understand the position of those in charge. They are funded by the state, and they are expected to use the money they receive for state approved activities. State approved activities don’t include funding religious areas. If the students who want a quiet room, prayer room, or something similar start a fund raiser and offer to pay for the use of a room on a semester or yearly basis, then I think it would go far to alleviate any problems with procuring a room. I understand that NOVA isn’t generally in the business of renting rooms, but if there are spaces that aren’t utilized by professors, why turn down a source of potential profit? I would propose the cost being comparable to the number of classes that would normally be held in that room. Not the maximum capacity, as that would be unrealistic. For example: If the class would normally play host to a class of 20 students every day, five days a week, then the cost to rent the room would be comparable to as if the room were being used for those classes. The main problem with this idea is that it sets a precedent for the school to charge rental fees to club activities. But then, I never said the idea was perfect.

By: Neutral

Neutral — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:49:16 +0000

Your article is based on a faulty premise–namely, that NOVA should provide you with a place to pray. NOVA is a state-run institution; as such, providing any single group with space to pray sets a precedent that then trickles down to all religious groups. People in “majority” religions sometimes do not realize that here in the US we have many, many religions AND denominations (Christianity is not just one denomination). Setting aside space for one means setting aside space for all, which is not practical, nor is it consistent with our beliefs that religion and state are separate institutions. Also, one of the comments said “To think a police officer would come and stop a group of students from praying is frightening.” The article does not say that the group was stopped. Did he create an atmosphere of intimidation? Perhaps–in that case, you should have taken your complaint to the appropriate authorities. This article is extremely biased. Where is the balanced perspective?

By: Kulsoom

Kulsoom — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:20:53 +0000

I believe that the school should support the student associations. Giving a room is not so hard. After all, there are many rooms that are not being used when prayer times come in. Students pay NOVA for an education and to feel more at ease. If they cannot follow religious obligations, how can they have a good time at NOVA? Getting students to come to a certain college is like a business. If you cannot provide a growing association with basic needs, future generations may not want to come to the college.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:09:05 +0000

I agree with Dilbert. The school is certainly not obligated to provide any resources solely for the purpose of practicing a religion and I would be very upset if my tax dollars went to fund this. I’m not necessarily against students praying at school as long as it’s not disruptive to those around. However, I am against any special accomodations or funding for the purpose of religion.

By: Carla

Carla — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:25:51 +0000

To think a police officer would come and stop a group of students from praying is frightening.

Just the other day, I recall heading toward the cafeteria before one of my evening classes, it was about sundown and one of the Muslim students was crouched up against the wall praying. I remember thinking what a shame it was that this was the best place he could find to pray, and it was apparent in his demeanor that he was extremely self-conscious.

I think a quiet room for the purpose of quiet time, prayer, meditation, or whatever would be beneficial to the campus. As long as no one is excluded from its use, I don’t see why it would be a problem.

By: Ehsan

Ehsan — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:29:34 +0000

It was a well written article Ms. Armradit.
Dilbert,
Islam is a religion of practice and dedication, and I think all the religions of the world needs dedication, sacrifice. As a Nova student myself and all the dedicated practicing muslims and students of other religions need a place to connect with the creator in a suitable place. One of the most beautiful and amazing of our country (USA) is that it embraces any culture and religion with respect, therefore I think this should reflect in the campuses as well by providing suitable spaces for this purpose.

By: jdavis

jdavis — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:15:15 +0000

Dilbert

Airports often have some sort of “chapel” or “mediation room,” that is open for someone of any religion to pray. I don’t see the difference in having a mediation room versus a gaming room or student lounge makes. So long as the room stays open to people of all religions I wouldn’t see a problem with this.

By: Dilbert

Dilbert — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:50:50 +0000

I believe this article was well written, and underlines a common problem becoming more pronounced as people worry more about political correctness rather than equality or separating religion and education. It’s all well and good for Muslims to want to practice their religion, but NVCC has no obligation to create a special space for their practices. If they are that committed to praying five times a day, then they should schedule around it, and do it off-campus. They certainly shouldn’t be doing it in the library! The Muslims I know are hard working, generous, friendly people, and I respect their choice of religion even though I don’t share it. By no means should Muslims be discriminated against, but everyone (Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Zoroastrian, Hindu, etc.) needs to keep their personal beliefs PERSONAL. A school is NOT a church. If the students referred to in this article have immutable religious practices, then perhaps they should attent an Islamic school, where religion is at least as important, if not more important than academic pursuits.