The freedom to practice religion is a right guaranteed by our U.S. Constitution, but one has to question how far the right goes. Longwood includes the tradition of a benediction, which is often times received as a prayer, in their commencement and graduation ceremonies. Special Assistant to the President and Director of Events and Ceremonies Diane Easter explained that the issue came up about five years ago, and the student response was overwhelming in favor of keeping the benediction as part of the ceremonies. As a result of that discussion, the university decided that students must submit their prayers beforehand to help make the prayer more generic.
"I am looking for the words Jesus Christ. The prayers end up being very general and make it across religions. It almost ends up being like a poem. It's not really in-your-face-religious; it's more a pause to give thanks," said Easter.
"We are a public school and we receive state funding. It puts people who are not of the majority religion in an awkward position, seeing the prayers often take a Christian slant, and a Protestant Christian slant at that," said El Bendele, president of the secular society.
"When you put the Constitution in a state institution, with the separation of church and state, and you're part of a state institution that is clearly governed by that separation, how do we present expression of faith? Go back to the constitution; we can't support one over the other." said Director of Multicultural Affairs and International Students Services Lonnie Calhoun.
Other students find the prayer to be an appropriate and beneficial addition to the ceremonies. "I think prayer is appropriate. There was a prayer when the president was inaugurated, and congress opens each session with a prayer. Students can use the time to mediate and reflect on the years gone past and what is coming ahead," said William Einhorn, member of Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship (XA).
"I think it is appropriate. I cite the Pledge of Allegiance. Prayer, to me, is something that you don't have to partake in if you don't want to, just like the pledge," said Zachary Highland, member of Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM).
Several alternatives have been suggested to help make those in attendance feel more comfortable. One of the alternatives suggested is replacing the benediction with a moment of silence. "I feel that is a great idea. It gives everyone a chance to have a moment to themselves," said Highland.
"I feel it's comparable to what is being done in public schools. I can see the parallel to public schools and the fact that we are a public university," said Elizabeth Kufhuss, large group coordinator for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IV).
"I want everyone to be happy and comfortable. That's why I learn towards the moment of silence. I think this is a happy medium," said Highland.
Another alternative is offering a prayer beforehand at a separate location. Students and staff alike seem to have split opinion on this issue. "I think it would be worse. If you segregate people they may feel more awkward about it," said Kufhuss.
"I don't see anything wrong with that. It allows individuals to follow their beliefs and it doesn't make it awkward," said Bendele. "Students have to report for graduation at 8 a.m., and if you offered a prayer before that would require them to get there at like 7 a.m. I don't think you would get a lot of participation with that suggestion," explained Easter.
"Having a prayer in a separate location may work as well, but I feel like that's going completely out of the way, just to pray" said Stephanie Root, member of the Crossroads Christian Fellowship. "That sounds really intolerant of a university that prides itself on tolerance," said Kevin Boyd, staff worker for IV.
This is an issue the Student Government Association (SGA) will continue to tackle and student feedback is appreciated and encouraged. "For people in the minority, in terms of faith it would appear that time to time certain faiths are put over other.the key is a balancing act," said Calhoun.
