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Good morning!
Contributing Columnist Christie Davis argues that Princeton’s lack of transparency regarding the allocation of funds towards religious organizations prevents the student body from fully determining if Princeton is being equitable in its facilitation of religious life.
The debate on the balance between religious freedom and religious establishment is a common debate on campus. Just over a year ago, Princeton was sued on the grounds of religious discrimination by a former University budget analyst, Kate McKinley, over COVID-19 policies. Additionally, the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment prohibits religious discrimination in public universities, which led to the University of Virginia being sued for religious and viewpoint discrimination after denial of funding to a Christian student magazine. In this case, Davis highlights the risk of establishment of religion by allowing certain religions on campus to be better funded through University channels.
Davis highlights the issue “that we cannot see if Princeton is actually distributing funds equitably or the degree of influence the University wields on the quality of religious life.” With an emphasis on transparency about alumni donations to student-run religious organizations at Princeton, Davis concludes that, “Ultimately, such clarity can contribute to a more harmonious and supportive campus community.”
READ THE COLUMN HERE →
Analysis by Olivia Chen
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