You would hope so, but you would be wrong with respect to USCD 
Posted on 11/02/2005 11:47:38 AM PST by NavVet
In a shameful attack on freedom of religion, the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) has banned resident assistants (RAs) from leading Bible studies in their own dormitories.
The university claims the ban is necessary because some students might not feel RAs who lead Bible studies are "approachable.”
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
I would bet if an RA hosted a party at his dorm, and the guys watched a little porn, the University would not say a word...
"They DO have days off, however, so conceivably they could have Bible study at those times, right? Or is the University is saying they can regulate the activities of an employee's day OFF? "
Well, the University owns the dormitories, too, so I suppose they could argue from that perspective as well.
The RAs job in a dorm is to be there to assist the residents, usually on a single floor or some other limited part of the dorm. Sometimes that assistance is personal, helping residents get assistance with psychological or other personal problems by referring them to appropriate facilities on campus.
I believe what the University is doing here is trying to make sure that, within the dorm where the RA is the RA, no student will feel that their otherwise legal behavior might be judged negatively by the RA. For example, if the RA is opposed, on religious grounds to homosexuality, a homosexual resident who knew that might not feel comfortable seeking advice...part of the RAs job.
Is the University right? I don't think so. The headline for this story sure wasn't right though.
Do they get W-2s?
ML/NJ
When they're in the dorm, they're on duty. When they're outside the dorm, they're not bound by this rule.
I understand UW's position, but I would argue that universities have bigger problems than RA's introducing Christianity to college students.
I don't believe an R.A. would be allowed to do anything like this, no.
"but I would argue that universities have bigger problems than RA's introducing Christianity to college students.
"
It's not a zero sum thing. Each problem has its solution. Working on one does not mean not working on the others.
Again, I'm not opposed to these RAs holding Bible Studies in their dorms. Whatever their religious beliefs, they should be free to practice them and share them. I would hold the same opinion, no matter what their beliefs were.
I am opposed to New Smacks when it publishes misleading headlines. You may note that was my objection in the first place.
Be disgusted all you want, thrash the straw men to bits, the point is that R.A.s are there to become a trusted advisor to students in issues dealing with sex and alcohol and depression. Many believing Christians can do that job excellently, even recognizing that their students will not be Christians in the same way they are, and helping them with birth control and safe sex.
A Christian who decides he needs to be leading some students in Bible Studies risks driving away students who need an R.A. for the reasons listed above. Being an R.A. is a job that involves being part of the world and accepting it for its flaws, not one that involves turning your back on sinners and nonbelievers until they accept it on your terms. You seem to want to do away with R.A.s unless they fit your ideal. I trust the colleges to know best what students need.
If an R.A. is having gay sex with his students he should most definitely be fired.
But it's ok to sexile your Christian room mate while you have sex with your boyfriend in the dormitory.
"But it's ok to sexile your Christian room mate while you have sex with your boyfriend in the dormitory."
Huh? Did I say anything about that? Back in the early 60s, when I went to college, we weren't allowed to have women in our dorm rooms, so there was no sex going on there, except perhaps some solitary activity, and most guys kept that pretty private.
So, I have no idea what you're talking about. I certainly said nothing of the sort.
Well, in the CA university system, since it's okay for students to make porn and show it on the university TV station, I would assume it's okay to view it in the dorms.
You would hope so, but you would be wrong with respect to USCD
"Well, in the CA university system, since it's okay for students to make porn and show it on the university TV station, I would assume it's okay to view it in the dorms."
I'm sure it is. Most college students are over the age of 18, have televisions and computers, and are capable of deciding for themselves what they view.
Since pornography, in general, is not illegal, then I can't see how the University could ban it. Given the penchant most young men have for viewing porn, I'd guess that at least half the TVs and computers in the lighted windows of any dorm after about 10PM have porn running.
I would assume that the RA would shut this off if someone came to his/her room with a problem. Any reasonable person would do so. If he/she did not, then there would be a problem there. Forcing another to watch porn when your job is to help them would probably lead to dismissal.
Believe me, RAs get dismissed all the time, and for a lot of reasons. It's a thankless job, and for little compensation.
It doesn't. But I worked for a public university. No one cared what I did "off-campus", but my office was considered a public space. For instance, I really would have thought it inappropriate to hang a crucifix there.
But, as I said, the issue never came up. And there were many devout Jewish students there.
What R.A. is involved with that? That's my point. I'm not saying "the college won't allow it", I'm saying that R.A.s have a very delicate position in undergraduate dorms and they are held to strict standards.
Wonder when Campus Crusade for Christ or Coalition of Christian Athletes will be thrown off campus..
Naturally the gay and lesbian student alliance will remain fully funded and approved of.
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