Religion, Spirituality, and Power and Privilege

Terms: 

Religion – a specific set of organized beliefs and practices, shared by a community or group

Spirituality – usually an individual practice, focusing upon reflection, peace and purpose

Religion, Spirituality, and Power and Privilege

Throughout history, certain religions have received more power and privilege than other religions which is reflected in politics, education or representation.

From the DEI Certificate Module 1.2: Power and Privilege, here are some personal religious/spiritual privileges to consider and reflect upon: 

• I can assume that I will not have to work or go to school on my religious holidays
• I can be sure to hear music on the radio and watch specials on television that celebrate the holidays of my religion
• My religious views are reflected by the majority of government officials and political candidates
• Food that honors my religious practices can be easily found in any restaurant or grocery store
• Places to worship or practice my religion are numerous in my community
• Most people do not consider my religious practices to be “weird”
• Implicit or explicit references to religion where I work or go to school conform to my religious beliefs
• I do not need to worry about the ramifications of disclosing my religious identify to others

If answered “yes” to most of these questions, your religion/spirituality is privileged within the United States context. Reflecting on religious/spiritual privileges can allow an individual to recognize ways to use privileges individually and to collectively work for social justice. For instance, advocating for more food choices (i.e. kosher or vegetarian) at a work event, or systematically questioning how policies and procedures at Rowan privilege certain religious/spiritual beliefs.

Five Ways to Be Inclusive of Religion and Spirituality at Rowan University

1. Start with respect
   It would be impossible to expect an individual to know the exact belief systems and practices of every religion/spirituality, there are over 4,200 religions! Although you may not know the ins and outs of every religion, you do have to respect an individual’s religious/spiritual practices. Examples of respecting someone’s religious/spiritual decisions:
   • Not making a comment when a colleague goes to meditate or pray
   • Allowing someone to take the day off for their religious holiday
   • Providing flexibility in the workplace to accommodate a multitude of religious/spiritual beliefs
     
     
2. Consider collegial or departmental culture
   Reflect upon policies and procedures as it relates to accommodating religious/spiritual practices. For instance, a policy that requires someone to be clean-shaven or asking someone not to wear their religious/spiritual clothing to an event.
   
   
3. View religion/spirituality as a personal choice
   Give individuals the autonomy of their religious affiliation/spirituality, in which they may or may not want to be a part of certain religious/spiritual celebrations. Do not make assumptions about how an individual should or should not practice their religion/spirituality. Additionally, refrain from forcing your religious/spiritual beliefs on others.
   
   
4. Religious/spiritual inclusion is a year-long effort
   Recognize that the diversity of religion/spirituality exists beyond the holidays. Add religious/spiritual dates to your work calendar as a set reminder of religious/spiritual days throughout the academic year.
   
   * Follow the link below to download an Interfaith Calendar
   
   
5. Avoid being intrusive
   Be welcome to open dialogue pertaining to religion/spirituality, however, avoid tokenizing or expecting an individual to educate you on their religion/spirituality. Instead, respect individual choices and if you are further interested in learning more, use the library as a resource and/or Rowan’s Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration Center.   

 Rowan Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration Center

The Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration Center aims to promote a campus environment that is inclusive of students' religious, spiritual, and secular identities and allows for the expression and exploration of spiritual beliefs and values. Programs and initiatives of the Center will advance understanding and appreciation of the contributions of the community's varying beliefs. For more information about the programs, services and resources of the Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration Center go to: https://sites.rowan.edu/sjicr/centers-programs/interfaith/index.html

The Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration Center is located at Evergreen Hall and is available for events or meetings. To learn more about reserving the ISEC center, go to:  https://sites.rowan.edu/sjicr/centers-programs/interfaith/evergreenform.php

The Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration Center is presenting Religious Diversity Week from November 4th – to November 8th. Follow the link below for more information:

Places of worship within the local community: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&mid=1Iq39v5SXHXoVjqpDC4pCwBupgA6TAq87&ll=39.77930087298002%2C-74.9876165&z=9​

Student Initiative: Accommodating religious holidays and observances

After receiving campus-wide concerns that the Student Government Association (SGA) and several other departments on campus did not accommodate religious holidays or observances, SGA took action. Jason Brooks, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, led an SGA vote to add a ruling in the by-laws for religious observances and exemptions.

At the Senate Meeting on October 14th, 2019, students voted to approve new by-law changes which added an excused absence policy for SGA mandatory events (i.e. Senate, committee meetings). SGA students held the SGA executive board and its affiliates accountable in regard to scheduling events on these holidays in the future.

For more information, please reach out to Jason Brooks, SGAstudentaffairs@rowan.edu

Resources for continued learning: 

Addressing Religious Diversity in the Public Institution: https://scholarworks.wm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1046&context=wmer

Faith is the Diversity Issue Ignored by Colleges. Here’s Why That Needs to Change: https://www.chronicle.com/article/Faith-Is-the-Diversity-Issue/244953

Keeping the Faith at College: https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/religious-student-resources/

Interfaith Calendar: http://www.interfaith-calendar.org/

Interfaith Calendar Definition of Terms: http://www.interfaith-calendar.org/calendardefinitions.htm

Interfaith Philadelphia: https://www.interfaithphiladelphia.org/