First Draft
Linette Garcia | Staff Writer
Tucked into FIU is the construction of the Trish and Dan Bell Chapel, a significantly quaint space designed for spiritual gatherings of all religions. It’s an edifice that allows students, teachers and faculty to engage in their religious practices, whether that’s partaking in ceremonies or escaping the fast pace of life for a moment of meditation.
In 2019, renowned philanthropists Trish and Dan Bell granted FIU a generous lead gift of $5 million to build the foundation of a multi-faith chapel on the university’s main campus. The initial funds were bolstered to $14 million after the chapel’s blueprint was set into motion.
But the chapel’s presence raises a thought: what role should religion actually play at FIU?
FIU is a public institution, meaning it serves students of every belief system — religious, spiritual, agnostic, athiest and everything in between. The university’s mission is to foster critical thinking and academic exploration. Religion, by contrast, is rooted in faith and personal ideas rather than scholarly ones. When religious spaces are institutionally embedded into public campuses, even under the label of “interfaith”, the line begins to blur.
The issue isn’t about denying students their freedom of belief. On the contrary, I think all students deserve a peaceful oasis for spiritual exploration. The question is whether the university itself should be endorsing a religious space. Even a chapel marketed as “non-denominational” carries religious connotations. It signals that spirituality belongs within the university structure, rather than existing as a personal, off-campus sphere.
There’s also the idea of presenting the chapel as a beacon for all faiths, though a chapel reflects a historically Christian concept. For students with diverse religious backgrounds, the presence of a chapel can feel like FIU subtly prioritizes one religion over others.
Some argue that the Trish and Dan Bell Chapel could provide unifying and solace dialogues during stressful times. But emotional well-being doesn't require a religious framework. FIU has mental health services and Panther spaces that welcome everyone without spiritual undertones. Reflection doesn’t have to equate to religion.
Ultimately, FIU should focus on staying a space for intellectual growth, not spiritual guidance. Fostering a community of intersecting beliefs and journeys is fantastic, but those beliefs should not be institutionally housed. Keeping religion separate from universities protects both: education stays neutral and inclusive, and faith remains a personal choice—not a campus feature.