In the last few weeks, several comments have been published in The Daily Utah Chronicle discussing the Latter-day Saint Student Association. Portions of those comments have misrepresented who we are and what our role on the U campus is. As the presidents of the LDS Institute of Religion Student Council and LDSSA, we wish to respond to those comments by accurately describing our expectations, intents and purposes.
The Institute of Religion is located on South Campus Drive, south of the Huntsman Center, where the LDS Church has built a beautiful new facility. The institute offers classes on religious topics founded on Christian beliefs. These classes are taught by well-educated faculty, most of whom have doctorates, have lived in many areas of the United States and have an extensive knowledge of scripture and theology. These religion classes are available to all who wish to attend. Additionally, monthly daytime devotionals and weekly Sunday-night firesides featuring prominent educators and religious leaders are also available.
Through the Institute of Religion, students may join LDS sponsored sororities and fraternities. The institute sponsors 17 sorority chapters and 10 fraternity chapters involving approximately 1,400 students who hold weekly activities and promote strong traditions and friendships. The institute building also serves as a place where people can study, socialize and enjoy activities such as eating lunch with friends and playing ping pong, pool and foosball. At the institute, students participate in various service projects and attend activities such as stomps and barbecues. All U students are invited to attend, regardless of their faith. We actively seek to encourage students from all backgrounds to participate with us.
LDSSA, which is directed by students of the Institute of Religion, is an officially recognized student organization on the U campus and represents approximately 15,000 LDS students-the majority of whom are actively participating in the institute program and/or use of its facilities. It is a large organization on campus and is open to students of every faith, race, color or creed who desire to be involved and are willing to maintain LDS standards. It is an organization that promotes spiritual growth and academic achievement and encourages involvement in campus activities.
Because the LDS Institute exists to meet the needs of U students, its campus organization, LDSSA, attempts to make a positive contribution to student life on campus. It has co-sponsored events such as the Black Pumpkin Affair, Crimson Nights and the September Football Kickoff, where approximately 1,500 students gathered to support the U football team. These and other events are part of our program and are designed to encourage the many U Latter-day Saints and others of similar values to make a positive impact on campus.
While all activities provided by LDSSA and the Institute of Religion are open to everyone, nearly all are funded by activity fees paid by students enrolled in institute classes. As an official student group, the LDSSA does apply for typical funding offered to all campus organizations. With these funds, LDSSA strives to make a positive contribution on campus, including co sponsorship of activities with ASUU. While LDSSA seeks funding as do other campus organizations, it does not expect to receive a disproportionate share of campus funds and is not seeking an increase in funding. In fact, LDSSA’s financial contribution to student life on campus through our self-funded activities exceeds the funding it receives from ASUU by tens of thousands of dollars. Apparently, this particular issue has been one of misunderstanding.
LDSSA does seek to promote a wholesome and active extracurricular student life on campus and seeks to make a significant contribution to the U’s success. It welcomes all and desires to include all of similar values to participate in its efforts in making the U a place of growth and opportunity in all aspects of life. We sincerely believe that we have a significant role on campus and desire to fulfill that role without regard to personal theological beliefs. As a legitimate campus organization, we claim the same rights as other student organizations, but we do not seek special rights or privileges because of our size. We esteem the U as a great place to obtain a college education and strive to make a positive contribution on campus. As ever, we invite all to join us.