Delft-the possible arrival of a prayer room on the TU Delft provides hostility on campus. Opponents, including the Delft JODV, stirring itself. Because, they argue, at a University is not a place for religious expressions.
Since the University paper Delta brought an article with the headline ' Making room for religion ', there is a fierce debate erupted in TU-circles, particularly opponents are speaking out. "A quango should not spend money to facilitate any religion also, but on the core tasks, research and education," said Stijn de Vreede the VVD's youth section.
"We are shocked that in using existing quiet room of the Faculty of electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science, Islamic manifestations are present." The JOVD refers to this on a clock in the shape of a Arabic window. "Which should as soon as possible".
The JOVD also points out that the TU for years suffers from lack of space. "Therefore it is inconceivable that there be prayer rooms are made available. Outdoor colleges is there for students enough time at home, in the Church or the mosque to confess their faith. "
Proponents of a prayer room in the University paper that they can better study if they pray regularly. About the current quiet spaces they critically: who would be crowded, busy, or too far away.
A spokeswoman for the TU left yesterday know that a number of students has indicated the need for ' quiet room '. "It is not just about students with a Muslim background. For example, students have also indicated that they want a place where they can meditate. A working group looks at how we can deal with such questions, "said the woman saying.
Salient is that the Delfse hostility many similarities with a riot recently at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Also when was the discussion on a prayer room fueled via an article in the University paper. After persistent protests and an illegal occupation of the prayer room, the UvA tack at the end of last year and presented at various locations ' permanent spaces without furniture ' available. The University emphasized at the time that it is not prayer areas but quiet: ' a substantial difference '. Nevertheless, the action group on Facebook responded enthusiastically: ' We won this fight, make you ready for the next fight, "they write.
Also at the Hague University wants a group of students a prayer room. This is done via an online petition. Since mid-april have been around almost 4400 signatures. Several years ago a group of students from the Hague in vain tried the same.
By: the associated press/Marieke van Essen
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