On March 6, the Church of Scientology opened a new location directly south of a popular Columbia housing option, the Dwight Lofts, at 650 S. Clark St. Since the church’s opening, there’s been an influx of protesters on Clark Street and a rise in nervous conversation among the Columbia students who live there. This fall, the Dwight Lofts will be converted to exclusively a first-year student dorm building. As incoming students go through potentially one of the greatest changes of their lives, they need more information on the Church of Scientology from an organization they trust: their college.
As a resident at the Dwight Lofts, it is impossible to ignore the church’s presence as I walk on our block of Clark Street. There are always either livestreaming protesters outside, holding cameras and shouting questions at the Scientologists passing by, or Scientologists themselves pacing the sidewalk and handing out what seem to be pamphlets or tickets to a Church of Scientology event. It’s made leaving the building and walking to class a stressful experience, differing immensely from the way things were before the church’s arrival. The beliefs of the protesters and the Scientologists are not the issue, it is the constant conflict right outside our door that feels so invasive.
The Church of Scientology defines itself as “a religion that offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one’s true spiritual nature and one’s relationship to self, family, groups, Mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being,” but has obtained a rather controversial reputation. Some former Scientologists have spoken out since leaving the church on some of the struggles they faced as members. Former Church of Scientology Executive Debbie Cook even claimed she was physically abused multiple times while she was an active member, drawing up even more controversy around the church. The Church of Scientology, however, has repeatedly denied these allegations.
Moving away from home and into a big, bustling city is scary in itself. Moving into a building with a controversial religion right next door is even more intimidating. A 2022 study from Scientific Reports found that “when experiencing a major life change (e.g. moving countries, changing jobs, etc.) seeking information helps adapt to the new environment.”
Columbia needs to address the church’s presence and the protesters involved. In doing this, Columbia will give their newest students an invaluable sense of confidence in navigating their new neighbors and those posing against them.
The Church of Scientology has every right to move in next to the Dwight. The South Loop is an excellent location and a great, central spot for the church to attract new members. The only issue is the anxiety being brought up in current Columbia students due to the conflict surrounding the church’s presence. If Columbia makes it a priority to have an open dialogue with their students regarding the church’s presence, student anxiety will decrease and Dwight residents will have more peace with their new neighbors.
Copy edited by Leah Flanigan.
Adriah Hedrick is a broadcast journalism major from Savage, Minnesota.