The RP’s Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of College

In recent years, there has been speculation that younger generations are moving away from religion and embracing a more secular lifestyle, particularly during their college years. Is the university system to blame? If no, what is the explanation?  [The Atlantic]

What does it mean when a college or university is “religiously affiliated”? Can you attend if you do not practice the same religion or if you do not practice any religion at all? What about separation of church and state? [University Language]

The decision to attend a religious or secular university is a big choice for many high school students. What are some of the benefits of picking, for example, a Christian university? [College Express]

“Birthright” is an international program targeted at young, semi-religious college students that pays for a free trip to Israel for any Jew between 18 and 26. How did such a program come to exist? How is it possible for them to sustain such a program? Why did anyone even create the program? Learn more about it on Birthright’s homepage. [Birthright Israel]

The classroom is a place where students are told they can make their voice heard. But when can a university tell a student their beliefs can no longer be shared? Or what about telling them they need to change their beliefs? Last summer, Augusta State University decided a graduate student had been inappropriately voicing her position on homosexuality both in and outside of the classroom, and threatened to expel her if she did not change her ways. Read here about the case and watch a video of the student’s account. [Fox News] [Video]