I was appalled to learn that a local religious group wants to create a Penn State-affiliated "branch campus." The Daily Collegian's editorial was spot-on in stating that if students really wanted to attend a Christian school, there are plenty of choices at their disposal besides Penn State ("Christian College: Religious campus not in students' interest," Feb. 9). Furthermore, why must this "branch campus" be Christian? I'm sure there are plenty of people of other faiths who would feel short-changed by this.

The pastor heading up this operation, Rev. Paul Grabill, wants to seek donations from alumni to make it happen. I'm not just a graduate student here at Penn State, but I am also an alumnus and I have given money to Penn State in the past. I was still planning to give money again once I get my Ph.D, but those plans will certainly change if Penn State becomes affiliated with any religion, even if it's just peripherally. I am not attacking Christianity. I believe students on this campus should be able to exercise their religious freedom, but do note the key word here is "freedom." Imposing a religious affiliation upon the students of a public university is akin to the U.S. government claiming Christianity as its "state religion."

To Grabill, I say this: Go ahead and build your Christian campus. I'm sure you will be fulfilling someone's needs by doing so. Just do the rest of us a big favor and leave Penn State out of it. "God" may be a Penn State fan (you know, because the sky is blue and white), but that doesn't mean that Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, and Buddha can't all be fans too!