CULTS: HIGH PRESSURE GROUPS

There are groups... and then there are high-pressure groups. We hope that you do not encounter high-pressure groups on the Occidental College campus. All of our religious and faith groups are registered with the ORSL and all advisors are certified to coordinate activities on campus.

The following are set down as guidelines for behavior that respects the rights of individual privacy in regard to religion. The College encourages the free discussion of values among willing participants and inter-religious dialogue. In the residence halls, it is not appropriate to engage in door-to-door or uninvited solicitation to religious involvement. But it IS appropriate to announce events and issue invitations at public gatherings, such as hall spreads.

Religious interaction outside the residence halls is up to the conscience of each individual. However, harassment of individuals for their beliefs is strictly out of place. This includes:

• unwelcome solicitations for religious events; misrepresentation of religious activities;
• unwanted intrusions into an individual's privacy in the name of religion or as a criticism of the individual's religion or philosophy;
• harassment around personal life choices which may be counter to others' religious beliefs.

-Occidental College Student Handbook

If you are approached by a religious or faith group on campus in an inappropriate manner, please report this activity to the ORSL.

Related Links:

For questions about specific groups that you believe might be "high-pressure" you can email: help@cultinfo.org

Another relevant website is available from FACTNet., Inc. - Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network: www.factnet.org

To learn about cults active on college campuses try:
www.cultsoncampus.com

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