A Multipurpose Space for Spirituality
Thanks to a $6,000 SUNY Interfaith, Prayer, Meditation, and Reflection Space Mini-Grant, SUNY Brockport launched a second Interfaith Center — located in Cooper Hall, Room M9 — to meet the growing demand for inclusive spiritual spaces on campus.
“We’re trying to create a campus culture where everyone feels like they belong,” said SUNY Brockport’s Chief Diversity Officer Damita D. Davis. “That includes recognizing and supporting spiritual identity.”
The original Interfaith Center, located on the second floor of the Seymour Union, lacked space to accommodate multiple groups or individuals practicing their faiths simultaneously. To address this need, Davis partnered with the Research Foundation to develop a proposal that secured funding for a second campus space.
Upon entering the room, visitors see clearly posted guidelines outlining expectations for respectful use of the space, emphasizing inclusivity and the importance of accommodating multiple faiths and traditions.
The room is equipped with storage for religious texts, yoga mats, a tabletop water fountain, chakra crystals, affirmation cards, and room dividers to support the practice of diverse faith and wellness traditions.
“We wanted to create a space that’s inclusive and accessible — whether you’re here to observe your faith or simply seeking a quiet place to relax and meditate,” Davis said.
Looking ahead, Davis plans to collaborate with other departments at the University, such as Advancement for religious text donations, Campus Recreation for yoga and meditation gear, and student organizations, including Brockport Student Government, to support ongoing updates to the room.
The effort to revitalize the space prompted the re-establishment of an Interfaith Council at the University. The council includes students, faculty, and staff who contribute ideas on space usage, community standards, and ways to promote interfaith dialogue within the Brockport community.
