Wisconsin Legislature Holds Hearing On College Dorm Bible Studies

The Colleges and Universities Committee of the Wisconsin Assembly held an informational hearing on Tuesday on the policy of the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire that prevented a dormitory resident assistant from leading Bible study groups in his dorm. (See prior posting.) The Janesville, Wisconsin Gazette reported that the committee heard testimony from the student RA, Lance Steiger. Republican Rep. Stephen Nass supported Steiger, saying that resident assistants are free to lead groups supporting diversity, political viewpoints or gay and lesbian students. "Yet when you want to hold your hands in prayer you are told you cannot." The Freedom From Religion Foundation said the hearing was merely political grandstanding. It criticized the University for "capitulating to the demands of the religious right."