Welsh University bans Bibles from rooms

The Welsh university Students’ Union voted in favour of a motion that called for an end to the tradition of having Gideon Bibles in students’ bedrooms, stating that are “inappropriate in a multicultural university.”

Students went to the polls in the first ever all-student vote to decide whether any religious text should be placed in university room. The motion was passed by 300 votes to 175, which means that less than five per cent of the 10,000-strong student body voted.

“BIBLE CAN BE OFFENSIVE”

The Bible ban was called for by students John David Morgan and Daniel Brothers. Morgan said at the student council meeting that “compulsory inclusion of Bibles in university bedrooms is inappropriate in a multicultural university such as Aberystwyth.

"It could be offensive for some, and the university should provide a safe space for students to explore and develop their beliefs in a neutral environment”, he added. However, he also believed that "Bibles should still be available for those who wish to have them."

UNIVERSITY REACTION

The university responded to this motion, confirming that “the University is aware of a recent referendum vote that took place on the matter, and referendum’s result.”

“Aberystwyth University has a proud history of working with the Students’ Union on a wide variety of issues, and will work with representatives from the Students’ Union to facilitate students receiving spiritual texts which reflect their personal choice", they concluded.

A survey conducted in 2014 by the Student Union found almost half in one halls of residence felt the compulsory inclusion of Bibles in rooms was "uncomfortable" or "unacceptable".

“ILLIBERAL AND INTOLERANT”

“The answer to a diverse and multicultural society is not to remove all traces of diversity. That seems illiberal and intolerant”, James Catford, Aberystwyth University alumni and Group Chief Executive of Bible Society, commented.

A spokesman for The Christian Institute, said: “Banning the Bible because some people might be uncomfortable with it would be a huge overreaction.” “Students who feel uncomfortable having a Bible in their room could instead see this as an opportunity to try and engage with it”, he argued.

He has also recognised the work that the Gideons have done “supplying Bibles free of charge for over a century now, providing support and encouragement for Christians and non-Christians alike.”