LDS Church Wants To Buy Part of ASU Polytechnic Campus

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wants to purchase part of Arizona State University Polytechnic's campus in Mesa, according to a report in today's ASU Web Devil. It proposes to build an LDS Institute of Religion on the site to offer religious courses to students. Both LDS and non-LDS students would be welcome to enroll, but the courses would involve the teachings of the LDS church. Some on the University's Space and Capital Planning Committee worry that the plan would convey a message that the University favors one religious group. At any rate, under current law ASU is not allowed to sell off parts of the campus. In the meantime, LDS has leased a house next to campus to use for an Institute of Religion until it can build permanent facilities.