University Senate                                                          Proposed: December 13, 2007

                                                                                    Adopted:                     

 

 

 

RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH

AN INSTITUTE FOR RELIGION, CULTURE AND PUBLIC LIFE

 

 

 

 

WHEREAS                  the resurgence of religion and, with it, religious and cultural intolerance and conflict are emerging as powerful forces in the new century, and

 

WHEREAS                  considerable academic resources in teaching and research are required to come to a deeper understanding of the complexities and problems involving religion and social difference in contemporary society, and

 

WHEREAS                  Columbia’s existing strengths in academic and scholarly activities related to religious and cultural differences provide a solid basis for the establishment of an Institute, and

 

WHEREAS                  the creation of such an Institute is timely given the scholarly interests within the University of both faculty and students, interests that reflect in many ways the world’s political and cultural climate, and

 

WHEREAS                  the proposed Institute would bring together scholars and students in a multidisciplinary forum devoted to the analysis, reflection, and response to historical and contemporary issues related to religious difference, and

 

WHEREAS                  the proposed Institute would use its visibility and convening power as a forum for conferences, visitors, and important publications and programs distributed through a variety of media,

 

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT                    that an Institute for Religion, Culture and Public Life be established as authorized by the President of the University.

 

 

 

                                                                                   

 

 

Proponent: Education Committee