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After taking a class on cult controversy in the United States, Jaclyn Vazquez ’07 (Brooklyn, N.Y.) wanted to explore the topic more in-depth. This year, she is conducting honors thesis research on how the media influences the public’s perception of new religious movements.
“My thesis will be discussing the events that occurred at Jonestown and Waco, Texas and how the media has promoted the idea that People’s Temple and Branch Davidians are the quintessential examples of dangerous ‘cults,’” explains Vazquez, a double major in religious studies and psychology. “I will be taking a look at how our view of these groups might have been different if we were to look at them through an academic study of religion rather than the lens of the media and disaffected former members. I will also be discussing the hostile way in which new religious movements are handled in our country and the question of how this plays a role in the freedom of religion we claim to have.”
In 1978, People’s Temple members murdered Congressman Leo J. Ryan and four others who traveled to their Jonestown settlement in Guyana for an investigation. Later that night, more than 900 people died in a mass suicide/murder at Jonestown after drinking a fruit punch containing cyanide and tranquilizers.
In 1993, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms entered the Branch Davidian compound in Waco to serve arrest warrants, claiming the group possessed illegal firearms and explosives. After a 51-day standoff with the FBI, more than 80 Branch Davidians died in a fire allegedly ignited by group members.
Vazquez’s thesis adviser Robin Rinehart, associate professor of religious studies, believes the topic is unique and reflects Vazquez’s advanced qualities as a student.
“She’s interested in important and difficult topics such as how people understand religion, how they get information about religion, and the extent to which media coverage of unusual religions is accurate,” says Rinehart.
Vazquez believes Lafayette’s strong focus on undergraduate research provides students with a supportive environment in which to conduct often complex projects. She is especially pleased to have found a mentor in Rinehart who challenges her to expand her ideas.
“Lafayette is a terrific place to be working on projects like my thesis,” she says. “The interaction I get to have with my adviser and other professors is incredible. Students at Lafayette are fortunate to have the opportunity to work so closely with the [faculty]. The thesis is my project, but I never feel alone in the process because I have the support of the professor I am working with. The close relationship you build with your adviser here is something that is hard to find at other schools.
“I am thrilled to be working with [Rinehart]. It is great to be able to talk to her about ideas and possible directions for the project and have her know exactly what I am trying to do and where to direct me in finding resources I need. I don’t think I could have made a better choice because I know she cares about my project and has a lot of faith in me and what I am capable of.”
Rinehart believes the skills Vazquez is learning through her honors thesis will be an asset as she pursues a career in public relations.
“Research and writing skills are essential in most fields,” she says. “Understanding the limitations of media coverage is a critical skill for anyone.”
Vazquez will serve an internship with a New York City public relations firm next semester. She previously served an internship with Lou Prevost ’71 at the Radnor Hotel, where she gained experience in hotel management.She is a tour guide for the admissions office and a member of the tour guide and enrollment planning committees. She also is vice president of social standards for Delta Gamma sorority and volunteers with the Sharing the Caring program at Third Street Alliance for Women and Children through the Landis Community Outreach Center. This year, Vazquez is serving as an agent for the senior class fund drive.
Honors theses are among several major programs that have made Lafayette a national leader in undergraduate research. The College sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year; 40 students were accepted to present their research at this year’s conference.