UHS Students Discuss Ground Zero Mosque
Earlier this month, plans were announced to build a mosque within a community center two blocks from ground zero in New York City. Such plans set off debates, not only around the city, but throughout the entire country.
The 15- story tall community center, named Parks51, would contain a pool, gym and center for the performing arts. It would be open to members of the community regardless of their religion.
Those who oppose the plans argue that it is insensitive to the family members of those who died in the 9/11 attacks. On the contrary, those in favor of Parks51 say that it is unconstitutional to not allow such a center to be built.
In order to see if the Urbana Student body’s opinions echoed that of the entire country, we surveyed students at random. Their opinions turned out to be largely in favor of the building of Parks51, but this small sampling is by no means completely reflective of the entire student body.
Andreas Ruiz, Sophomore:
“I definitely think that everyone should be free to have their own stuff.”
Jeremy Loui, Senior:
“It shouldn’t matter that it’s an Islamic center. You shouldn’t have a problem with Islam.”
Kirsten Slaughter, Junior:
“I think that it would be okay because it would show that we are really tolerant.”
Aiden Epstein, Freshman:
“I think that people should be allowed to practice religious freedom.”
Hayden Wennerdahl, Freshman:
“I think that they should build it there just because freedom of religion is good.”
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