One thing that comes to mind due to @uvmvermont's plan to close @REL_UVM is something that I think about whenever teaching undergrads: Such classes, for many, may be the *only* time they learn in an academic setting about the study of religion & religious literacy. (1/5)

Most students will take their intro to college math after 3-4 years of high school math, or intro to life sciences after 3-4 years of hs chem/bio/physics. But religion? Maybe some classes at a private or religiously-affiliated hs. Maybe one "comparative religion" course. (2/5)

Maybe some educational material or classes offered through a house of worship. But most often, an intro to religion course is *the moment* that formal education in religious studies begins. There is so much that needs to be (un)learned in that moment, (3/5)

and hardly enough time to scratch the surface. To eliminate Religion depts furthers ignorance about how governments run and why wars happen, how capitalism and colonialism function, and how to learn from cultural difference. (4/5)

Rather than framing Religion classes as supplemental to market-driven majors, universities should highlight how these classes allow one to understand and shape current events, as well as to move about the world and interact with others responsibly. These are not small skills. (5)