Though some public universities have allowed religion-based dorms to be constructed on their campuses, students shouldn’t expect to see them at UF anytime soon.
“There is no interest in building faith-based housing on the UF campus at this time,” Sharon Blansett, UF Housing and Residence Education spokeswoman, wrote in an email.
However, Blansett said UF Housing respects religious beliefs and will continue to explore student interest in potential new Living Learning Communities.
Some colleges have already entertained the idea.
The Wall Street Journal reported that religion-based dorms have been privately funded for construction at some public universities.
These schools include Texas A&M University-Kingsville, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and most recently, Troy University in Alabama.
According to the article, the newest hall at Troy forbids alcohol use for residents, even if they are 21 years or older.
The hall also has a chapel, and residents can participate in group Bible study.
The faith-based dorms were built to unite religious students under one roof, particularly to avoid a party-centric residential experience.
The halls are funded by private institutions such as the Newman Student Housing Fund, which has constructed the halls on campus at Texas A&M-Kingsville and the Florida Institute of Technology.
Samantha Farmand, director of development for Catholic Gators, said religion-based housing might be a good way for students to share their faith with one another.
Felix Bartsch, a 22-year-old UF neurobiological sciences senior, said faith-based halls would not promote diversity. With so many students on campus, he said those who come to a public school should expect to come across people with different beliefs.
“I’m in favor of getting anyone out of their comfort zone,” he said.
A version of this story ran on page 9 on 9/11/2013 under the headline "Faith-based dorms at some public universities, not in UF’s beliefs"
