Sign of MRU's stance on the Multi-faith spaces on campus
MRU’s multi-faith spaces spark debate over neutrality
Mount Royal University’s multi-faith spaces are at the centre of a debate about religion on a public campus.
In September, the Western Standard reported that an MRU instructor, who was granted anonymity, believes the campus meditation room has become a Muslim prayer room. The instructor pointed to prayer mats, copies of the Qur’an and a curtain separating men and women. Their main concern is that MRU is a public, secular school.
What MRU says its multi-faith spaces are for
When the Western Standard asked MRU about the space, the university responded with a link to its Multi-Faith and Spirituality page. The page describes three spaces. W201 is a quiet room for individual prayer, reflection and meditation. It is open to all students, faculty and staff. The page says it is not a sacred space, though it includes prayer rugs and meditation pillows. I143A hosts small-group faith discussions and interfaith dialogue, while U111 is a bookable space for faith-based clubs and events.
MRU’s meditation room has been in high demand
Questions about the meditation room aren’t new. In 2024, the Calgary Journal reported that W201 was often at capacity, leaving some students to pray on staircases while waiting for space. At the time, the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University was advocating for an additional prayer room on the east side of campus.
Multi-faith supports for MRU students
MRU’s Multi-Faith and Spirituality team includes faith representatives who offer support to anyone, regardless of belief. Students who need to miss an exam for a religious observance can request an accommodation through the Access and Inclusion office in W325 at least two weeks in advance. A faith representative can also help them fill out the request form.
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