Students gov't approves idea of 'quiet room'

By Dana Parker-McClain

A majority of Associated Student senators voted to support the idea of a quiet room on campus in Thursday night’s senate meeting.

The vote was 6 to 5 in favor of the room, with one abstention.

A quiet room would provide students with a location on campus where they could go for “moments of quiet reflection or meditation,” as stated in the quiet room policy document.

The idea of a quiet room on campus has been supported by various organizations, including the Muslim Student Association, Campus Crusade for Christ, Catholic Student Association and Campus Peace and Liberties Coalition.

Dr. Paul Oliaro, Dean of Student Affairs, said in a memo that he supported the concept of a room that provides students respite from the fast pace and demands of the campus.

“ I think care should be taken to ensure access to all students and no effort should be made to designate the space for any specific purpose, other than what each student may consider to be quiet reflection,” he said.

Activities Senator Brent Hansen said, “I don’t want this to be sugar coated. This isn’t a quiet room, this is a prayer room.”

Hansen said the room could be an accident waiting to happen.

Students from various religions convening in a common room could lead to controversy and violence, he said.

A representative from the Campus Crusade for Christ said she didn’t think that any members of Christian organizations on campus would have problems with students of other religions convening in the room.

Some senators expressed concern about taking away possible classroom space to be devoted to a quiet room.

Science and Mathematics Senator Andy Rhodes said the Women’s Resource Center has a quiet room that is available for any student to use.

Athletic Affairs Senator Chris Rusca said the campus is already lacking space.

“ I don’t think we should be giving away rooms to be empty or quiet,” he said.

Vice President of Finance Michelle Jurkovich said the senate wouldn’t be held responsible for finding a room, but senators would be offering their support by voting in favor of the issue.

In other business, the AS voted to approve two appointments to the senate and standing committees.

Nicole Richardson was appointed to the position of Senator of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, and will serve on the Activities Committee. Nazia Khan was appointed to the position of Student Affairs Liaison and will serve on the Personnel Committee.