New policy allows Bible study
by Michael Gendall
Monday, March 20, 2006

Resident assistants across the state will now be allowed to lead Bible studies and other ideological events in their dormitory rooms, provided they do not inappropriately influence student residents, the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents decided March 10.

The resolution, passed unanimously by the regents at their monthly meeting, marks the end of a controversy dating back to November 2005, which prompted two letters to the attorney general and a congressional hearing.

“This policy will permit RAs to conduct meetings anywhere on campus, including in their rooms, to the same extent as other students,” Regent Danae Davis said. “However, RAs cannot use their position to pressure, coerce or inappropriately influence residents to attend or participate in a meeting.”

The policy, according to UW System President Kevin Reilly, was intentionally crafted to be vague regarding what, in particular, constitutes coercion. The rest