The University’s plan to relocate Buddhist House has been met with opposition from current and former residents of the house who recently met with members of the Administration to voice their opinions.
Although the University has promised to move the Buddhist House program to a woodframe house, students maintain that the current location, 356 Washington St., is uniquely suited for the needs of its members. According to students, an inadequate replacement would threaten the vitality of the program.
The University announced its intention to sell Buddhist House and Film House, 344 Washington St., in October. The campus master plan calls for elimination of student housing north of Washington Street over the next several years.
Buddhist House Manager Grace Lesser ’08 initially took her concerns about this decision to the Office of Residential Life (ResLife), who told her that they had no control in the matter. In response, Louis Caditz-Peck ’06 wrote a letter directly to President Doug Bennet.
“I worry that the enormous impact this sale could have has not been adequately considered,” Caditz-Peck wrote. “I sincerely believe that selling the 356 Washington Street property risks destroying one of the great institutions of our University.”
On Nov. 2, eight students met with members of the Administration, including Director of ResLife Fran Koerting, Director of Program Housing Dawn Brown, and Interim Vice President of Administration Peter Patton. Students who attended described the tone of the meeting as positive, although no actual results were achieved.
“They heard us out, and they said they would reconsider, but I doubt they will,” said Alice Woodman-Russell ’08, who lives in Buddhist House and plans to live there next year as well.
According to residents, the most important advantage of 356 Washington St. is its independent meditation room. The presence of other public spaces allows the meditation room to be designated a sacred space, reserved for meditation, speakers, and retreats.
“To have a designated sacred space in a house, not a room for walking through or for parties, is essential,” Lesser said.
The room comfortably accommodates up to 25 people for semi-weekly meditation, and can hold an upwards of 60 people when guest speakers come to the house.
One of the relocation options the Administration is considering is a large house located at 65 Lawn Ave., but residents still expressed skepticism.
“I just don’t think there is an equivalent space anywhere around here,” said Rachel Finkelstein ’08, a resident of Buddhist House.
Several residents said that they are not greatly bothered by the distance from campus, as many believe that it helps provide a feeling of sanctuary.
“It’s really helpful to have some removal from campus,” Woodman-Russell said. “When we have retreats, [the distance from campus] makes it feel more like a retreat space.”
According to Lesser, Buddhist House is the first chartered program of its kind on an undergraduate campus in the United States and it has inspired a similar program at Kenyon College.
“Because of the exceptional quality and frequency of Buddhist House programs, the participation of its residents, and the value of the house to student life at Wesleyan, Residential Life has recognized Buddhist House as one of the University’s most successful program houses,” Caditz-Peck wrote in his letter.
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