Printer’s Row location scientology.org
On March 3, 2024 the Church of Scientology opened a location directly next door to Dwight Lofts, a housing unit for students at Columbia College Chicago.
Dwight Lofts houses about 700 students from the college, many of whom have voiced concern over their new neighbors.
“Everyone’s talking about it. It’s all negative. No one wants them here.” said Jazlynn “Jazzy” Edwards, a sophomore majoring in journalism who lives at the Dwight Lofts, in an article from Block Club Chicago.
Students also expressed concern over the church’s subtle tactics trying to persuade their neighbors into becoming members of the church.
“It’s just very icky. To be the building next door to a college because, of course, college students, especially as freshmen, are going to be vulnerable.” continued Edwards.
First-year student Devin Schwieters stated that the Church of Scientology has “every right to exist in Chicago”, but did highlight that their location will attract the area’s young students to the church, according to an article from the Chicago Tribune.
Schwieters added that when school began in Sept., the church had tables set up in front of the housing unit with free stress testing. Members of the church were auditing students, in what Schwieters described to be an activity that the church refers to as “spiritual counseling.”
On March 2, the day before the church’s opening celebrations, tables were set out giving students free donuts to thank them for being the church’s new neighbors. Schwieters added that it was “obvious what they’re trying to do.”
The Printer’s Row location features the church’s public information center, a chapel for Sun. services and weddings, a cafe for visitors, rooms for “auditing,” and displays explaining the practices and beliefs of Scientology.
The Church of Scientology held an opening celebration for the location on March 3. As a result, students living in Dwight Lofts experienced trouble both entering and exiting Clark St. despite previous confirmation from the college’s Dean of Students Douglas G. Eck, Ph. D., that difficulties would not occur.
In an email sent to students, Eck expressed that the college had made it “abundantly clear” that students “must always retain unimpeded access to their living space and cannot be required to show ID to access Clark Street.”
Among the 2,000 people present at the opening were figures such as David Miscavige, Bob Fioretti, and Norman White.
Miscavige, the church’s current leader, currently has “a subject of lawsuits alleging child abuse, human trafficking, and forced labor” according to the Chicago Reader.
Fioretti, who is currently running as a hardline conservative for Cook County prosecutor, told the celebration’s attendees that what is “awesome about the Church of Scientology is that you get it. You understand the character of this city on so many levels.”
“You’ve been keeping Chicago safe. You have demonstrated an inherent willingness to help—indiscriminately,” voiced White, a hate crimes specialist for the city’s Commission on Human Relations, in regards to the church.
Columbia College security members were present during the event.
“The Church is thrilled to be open. We have had an avalanche of good wishes welcoming us to the community. Many new neighbors have told us how happy they are to see the Church finally open in its new home,” stated Bari Berger, a spokesperson for the Church of Scientology.
“We look forward to working hand-in-hand with our neighbors and many community partners in a collaborative effort to uplift this great city,” continued Berger’s statement.
The Printer’s Row church is located at 650 South Clark Street.