Written by Don Byrd
Troy University, a public institution in Alabama, is under scrutiny from church-state advocates for opening “faith-based dormitories” on campus for students who wish to integrate their faith more fully into the college experience. The faith-based dorms are being leased by private institutions, but some believe that may not be safeguard enough to ensure church-state separation.
The five-acre property is leased from the university by Troy’s foundation, a private, non-profit entity, which paid for the two buildings that comprise the housing facility, using funds from a local bank.
That avoids legal conflicts between religion and the public dollars that Troy uses for operational expenses, John Schmidt, senior vice chancellor for advancement and external relations said last week. Troy’s foundational money is comprised of private donations, not tax dollars, he said.
But [Freedom From Religious Foundation co-President Annie Laurie] Gaylor said they want to investigate the lease agreements between the university, its foundation and the archdiocese to determine if the properties are leased at fair-market value.
The dorms are set to open in a week.
