Young People Support Construction of ‘Ground Zero Mosque’

Today Pew Research released some interesting polling numbers on the controversial Islamic cultural center that is scheduled to be built roughly two blocks from the Ground Zero site in New York City. To clarify: Even though this project, officially dubbed Park 51 or the Cordoba House, has been called the "Ground Zero Mosque," it is really a community center more akin to a YMCA. The project plans to include "a culinary school, an auditorium, a swimming pool, a basketball court, and yes, space for prayer."

Although a sizable majority of those aged 65 and over (63 percent) oppose the construction of the center in New York City, but roughly the same number (62 percent) of young people aged 18-29 support the center's construction. Asked another way — "Do you agree with those who object" to the construction of Park 51 — 50 percent of 18-29 year olds said no and 36 percent said yes. The poll reports that groups least supportive of the construction of the facility are Republicans, the older demographic, and the less educated.

Still, it's important to note that even though young people are more supportive of this particular project, the numbers on tolerance of Islam more generally aren't quite as positive. The poll reveals that 35 percent of those aged 18-29 have a favorable view of Islam while 33 percent have an "unfavorable" view. The divide on understanding of Islam could be education; college graduates were most likely (62 percent) know someone who is Muslim.

Kay Steiger is the editor of CampusProgress.org.