The Buddha display has again shown up, this time in the lobby of Bainbridge College's Arts and Science Building.  It is there because a Christmas tree was there during the holidays.

Students to which we spoke hardly noticed the Christmas tree then nor the Buddha now.

According to Bainbridge College Professor Dr John Vanzo, there were religious decorations on the Christmas tree.  He told us that the Buddha display is there to celebrate the Chinese New Year or the life of Buddha.  According to several emails we received, it does not belong at all.

A paper placed above the display stated

What is this?

It is a display designed to honor the life of Buddha.

Who was Buddha?

The man known as Buddha was born about 2500 years ago in the area that today is called Nepal.  His writings became the foundation for the philosophy and religion known as Buddhism.  Today there are approximately 700 million people worldwide who practice some form of Buddhism.

Why is the display here?

A faculty member wanted to celebrate Buddha in the same place that a Christmas display celebrated Jesus during December and January.

Does the faculty member have the right to do this?

Yes. Aside from a simple notion of fairness, the U.S. Constitution, federal law, state statutes and University of Georgia regulations require that all religions be treated fairly and equally.  No state money or resources were used in the display.

It is hoped that this display will stimulate thought regarding the wide diversity of political and religious belief that exists in the world, and foster a desire to learn about civil liberties, including freedom of religion, that are granted to all American citizens under our U.S. Constitution.
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In December of 2007, Dr Vanzo manned his Buddha in Willis Park since a nativity scene was planned to be placed in the park.

Dr John Vanzo has published several papers and books and was a defense policy analyst during the Carter Administration.

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