BREAKING: Nichol Voted Out by William and Mary BOV, Resigns

By: bpkybe
Published On: 2/12/2008 11:18:56 AM

This morning at 9:42 AM, William and Mary President Gene Nichol sent an e-mail out on the College's campuswide listserv announcing that the Board of Visitors has rejected the renewal of his contract and that he intends to resign from his position as President of the College of William and Mary "effective immediately."

Since its primary day here in Virginia (and everyone needs to get to the polls and vote for Barack Obama), I'll keep this brief and save the extensive analysis of this shocking development for later. As a student at the College, I do have to say this: this is a sad, pathetic day for the College of William and Mary. With that, here is President Nichol's letter to students, staff, and faculty. For today, I'll let it speak for itself.

 

"Dear Members of the William & Mary Community:

I was informed by the Rector on Sunday, after our Charter Day celebrations, that my contract will not be renewed in July. Appropriately, serving the College in the wake of such a decision is beyond my imagining. Accordingly, I have advised the Rector, and announce today, effective immediately, my resignation as president of the College of William & Mary. I return to the faculty of the school of law to resume teaching and writing.

I have made four decisions, or sets of decisions, during my tenure that have stirred ample controversy.

First, as is widely known, I altered the way a Christian cross was displayed in a public facility, on a public university campus, in a chapel used regularly for secular College events -- both voluntary and mandatory -- in order to help Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and other religious minorities feel more meaningfully included as members of our broad community. The decision was likely required by any effective notion of separation of church and state. And it was certainly motivated by the desire to extend the College's welcome more generously to all. We are charged, as state actors, to respect and accommodate all religions, and to endorse none. The decision did no more.

Second, I have refused, now on two occasions, to ban from the campus a program funded by our student-fee-based, and student-governed, speaker series. To stop the production because I found it offensive, or unappealing, would have violated both the First Amendment and the traditions of openness and inquiry that sustain great universities. It would have been a knowing, intentional denial of the constitutional rights of our students. It is perhaps worth recalling that my very first act as president of the College was to swear on oath not to do so.

Third, in my early months here, recognizing that we likely had fewer poor, or Pell eligible, students than any public university in America, and that our record was getting worse, I introduced an aggressive Gateway scholarship program for Virginians demonstrating the strongest financial need. Under its terms, resident students from families earning $40,000 a year or less have 100% of their need met, without loans. Gateway has increased our Pell eligible students by 20% in the past two years.

Fourth, from the outset of my presidency, I have made it clear that if the College is to reach its aspirations of leadership, it is essential that it become a more diverse, less homogeneous institution. In the past two and half years we have proceeded, with surprising success, to assure that is so. Our last two entering classes have been, by good measure, the most diverse in the College's history. We have, in the past two and a half years, more than doubled our number of faculty members of color. And we have more effectively integrated the administrative leadership of William & Mary. It is no longer the case, as it was when I arrived, that we could host a leadership retreat inviting the 35 senior administrators of the College and see, around the table, no persons of color.

As the result of these decisions, the last sixteen months have been challenging ones for me and my family. A committed, relentless, frequently untruthful and vicious campaign -- on the internet and in the press -- has been waged against me, my wife and my daughters. It has been joined, occasionally, by members of the Virginia House of Delegates -- including last week's steps by the Privileges and Elections Committee to effectively threaten Board appointees if I were not fired over decisions concerning the Wren Cross and the Sex Workers' Art Show. That campaign has now been rendered successful. And those same voices will no doubt claim victory today.

It is fair to say that, over the course of the past year, I have, more than once, considered either resigning my post or abandoning the positions I have taken on these matters -- which I believe crucial to the College's future. But as I did so, I thought of other persons as well.

I thought of those students, staff, faculty, and alumni, not of the religious majority, who have told me of the power of even small steps, like the decision over display of the Wren Cross, to recognize that they, too, are full members of this inspiring community.

I have thought of those students, faculty, and staff who, in the past three years, have joined us with explicit hopes and assurances that the College could become more effectively opened to those of different races, backgrounds, and economic circumstances -- and I have thought of my own unwillingness to voluntarily abandon their efforts, and their prospects, in mid-stream.

I have thought of faculty and staff members here who have, for decades, believed that the College has, unlike many of its competitors, failed to place the challenge of becoming an effectively diverse institution center stage -- and who, as a result, have been strongly encouraged by the progress of the last two years.

I have thought of the students who define and personify the College's belief in community, in service, in openness, in idealism -- those who make William & Mary a unique repository of the American promise. And I have believed it unworthy, regardless of burden, to break our bonds of partnership.

And I have thought, perhaps most acutely, of my wife and three remarkable daughters. I've believed it vital to understand, with them, that though defeat may at times come, it is crucial not to surrender to the loud and the vitriolic and the angry -- just because they are loud and vitriolic and angry. Recalling the old Methodist hymn that commands us "not to be afraid to defend the weak because of the anger of the strong," nor "afraid to defend the poor because of the anger of the rich." So I have sought not to yield. The Board's decision, of course, changes that.

To my faculty colleagues, who have here created a distinctive culture of engaged, student-centered teaching and research, I will remember your strong and steadfast support until the end of my days.

To those staff members and alumni of this accomplished and heartening community, who have struggled to make the William & Mary of the future worthy of its distinctive past, I regret that I will no longer be part of that uplifting cause. But I have little doubt where the course of history lies.

And, finally, to the life-changing and soul-inspiring students of the College, the largest surprise of my professional life, those who have created in me a surpassing faith not only in an institution, but in a generation, I have not words to touch my affections. My belief in your promise has been the central and defining focus of my presidency. The too-quick ending of our work together is among the most profound and wrenching disappointments in my life. Your support, particularly of the past few weeks and days, will remain the strongest balm I've known. I am confident of the triumphs and contributions the future holds for women and men of such power and commitment.

I add only that, on Sunday, the Board of Visitors offered both my wife and me substantial economic incentives if we would agree "not to characterize [the non-renewal decision] as based on ideological grounds" or make any other statement about my departure without their approval. Some members may have intended this as a gesture of generosity to ease my transition. But the stipulation of censorship made it seem like something else entirely. We, of course, rejected the offer. It would have required that I make statements I believe to be untrue and that I believe most would find non-credible. I've said before that the values of the College are not for sale. Neither are ours."
(My emphasis: The Board of Visitors offered him hush money?! Unacceptable.)

"Mine, to be sure, has not been a perfect presidency. I have sometimes moved too swiftly, and perhaps paid insufficient attention to the processes and practices of a strong and complex university. A wiser leader would likely have done otherwise. But I have believed, and attempted to explain, from even before my arrival on the campus, that an emboldened future for the College of William & Mary requires wider horizons, more fully opened doors, a broader membership, and a more engaging clash of perspectives than the sometimes narrowed gauges of the past have allowed. I step down today believing it still.  

I have also hoped that this noble College might one day claim not only Thomas Jefferson's pedigree, but his political philosophy as well. It was Jefferson who argued for a "wall of separation between church and state" -- putting all religious sects "on an equal footing." He expressly rejected the claim that speech should be suppressed because "it might influence others to do evil," insisting instead that "we have nothing to fear from the demoralizing reasonings of some if others are left free to demonstrate their errors." And he averred powerfully that "worth and genius" should "be sought from every condition" of society.

The College of William & Mary is a singular place of invention, rigor, commitment, character, and heart. I have been proud that even in a short term we have engaged a marvelous new Chancellor, successfully concluded a hugely-promising capital campaign, secured surprising support for a cutting-edge school of education and other essential physical facilities, seen the most vibrant applicant pools in our history, fostered path-breaking achievements in undergraduate research, more potently internationalized our programs and opportunities, led the nation in an explosion of civic engagement, invigorated the fruitful marriage of athletics and academics, lifted the salaries of our lowest-paid employees, and even hosted a queen. None of this compares, though, to the magic and the inspiration of the people -- young and older -- who Glenn and I have come to know here. You will remain always and forever at the center of our hearts.  

Go Tribe. And hark upon the gale.    

Gene Nichol"

 


Comments



Looks like Mark Cole got what he wanted? (Chris Guy - 2/12/2008 11:24:47 AM)
Cole v. UMW


Nichol out (SullyEsq - 2/12/2008 1:05:55 PM)
This W&M grad is disgusted.  My wife has already sent a nastygram to the Board of Visitors (yes, we both made our views known before this decision).  We're changing our gifts to the College to the Institute of Bill of Rights Law instead of the General Fund.  


Wow. (spotter - 2/12/2008 1:06:41 PM)
Okay, maybe the sex workers art show was a bit much, but he was absolutely right about the Wren Cross, and separation of church and state, and Thomas Jefferson.  Thanks, President Nichol, for what is definitely one of the best resignation letters ever, and for so eloquently defending the First Amendment.


He probably won't see this but... (KathyinBlacksburg - 2/12/2008 1:26:35 PM)
He (Nichol) has my thanks too.  Though I am not a WM alum, I really appreciate his courage.  Standing up for those outside the dominant religion was the right thing to do.  Sometime the hero acts in small deeds and small steps.  In this case, he took surprisingly big risks in doing so.  


this breaks my heart (JD - 2/12/2008 1:16:30 PM)
As an alumnus, I was so happy to see someone like Professor Nichols in charge.  He was a breath of fresh air after Timothy Sullivan (an alcoholic with the temperament and diplomatic skills of John Bolton, who once, red-faced and flustered, and in front of news cameras, verbally attacked a speaker invited by our student group which was protesting the coronation of Henry Kissinger as our chancellor).

William and Mary had a profoundly cynical and existentially depressing culture when I was there - stemming in part from the lack of diversity, intense competitiveness, and aristocratic bent.  It may be the reason it has consistently had the highest suicide rates of any school in the country!  I'll never forget a tourist, walking through our beautiful campus, stopping me and asking "what happened?"  I didn't know what he was talking about.  Everyone to him seemed shell-shocked and depressed and he thought there had been some campus tragedy.  "That's just the way it is here," I explained.

Don't get me wrong, I love my alma mater.   Its the only college I ever went to, I made lifelong friends, the campus is the most beautiful in the country, the history is awe-inspiring, and the faculty is second to none.  

But I had hoped that President Nichols could lead the community in a new direction, breathing new life and creativity into an otherwise stuffy environment.  From the looks of it, he made great strides.  But ultimately, the southern aristocracy got its way.  What a sad day for William and Mary.



Appreciate your comments JD n/t (KathyinBlacksburg - 2/12/2008 1:28:06 PM)


What's next for Professor Nichols? (JD - 2/12/2008 1:43:49 PM)
Obama-Nichols 2008!!  LOL.


looks like... (lgb30856 - 2/12/2008 1:40:11 PM)
the right wing has taken over this great university. when they allowed powell's son in, that was it for me.


Sad, sad news (code - 2/12/2008 1:56:31 PM)
As an Alum, I'm very saddened that it came to this. What's worse is the BOV effort to buy the Nichol's silence.

Shame, W&M BoV.

As we always said at school:
"William and Mary, 300 years of tradition unimpeded by progress!"



Here's the BS response from the BoV. (code - 2/12/2008 2:06:00 PM)

February 12, 2008

Dear Alumni and Friends of the College of William and Mary,

President Nichol has announced he will not serve the remainder of
his term. We had hoped that he would and regret his decision. The
Board of Visitors decision not to renew his contract after his
current agreement expires on June 30th was extremely difficult.
President Nichol achieved some outstanding things during his
tenure. His energy and passion is legendary. He is a truly
inspirational figure who has enjoyed the affection of many. After
an exhaustive review, however, the Board believed there were a
number of problems that were keeping the College from reaching its
full potential and concluded that those issues could not be
effectively remedied without a change of leadership.

It is critical to explain that this decision was not
in any way based on ideology or any single public controversy. To
suggest such a motivation for the Board is flatly wrong. Indeed,
the Board has been repulsed by the personal attacks on the President
and his family. The uncharitable personal assaults are unworthy of
anyone who professes to care about the College and there should be
no joy when things do not work out between good people.

Many policies championed by President Nichol are
fully embraced by the Board. We agree unflinchingly with the
President's efforts to make William and Mary a more diverse
educational environment. His achievements in this area will be the
most enduring part of his legacy. We will continue the pursuit with
vigor and will insist that all future presidents of the College do
as well. We strongly support the Gateway program and will work to
put it on sound financial footing by building an endowment that will
allow it to blossom. Equally, we continue to see the enormous value
that attends to the efforts of internationalization and civic
engagement. And, so there is no doubt, the Board will not allow any
change in the compromise reached on the placement of the Wren Cross.

The Board is cognizant that its decision will be
deeply disappointing to many, especially members of our faculty and
student body. Our sacred stewardship and full insight into the
affairs of the College convinced us change was necessary to advance
the best interests of the College. We understand the sense of loss
and will work hard to heal all wounds.

But it is important to remember that William and
Mary is stronger and more enduring than any one person or any one
board. It will continue to rise and thrive through the ages. She
is the Alma Matter of a Nation and the vibrancy of our students
coupled with the wisdom and dedication of our masterful faculty will
keep the College shining more brightly than any star in the
constellation of higher education.

The College will begin a search for a new president immediately. In
the interim, the Board will appoint Dean W. Taylor Reveley effective
immediately to serve as President until a permanent leader is found.

Michael K. Powell `85

Rector, Board of Visitors



ISO (spotter - 2/12/2008 4:56:50 PM)
MWM, FFV pref, no 1st Am schol


Where is Kaine? (ThomasEsq - 2/12/2008 4:55:19 PM)
It seems highly unlikely that the Board of Visitors would take this action without the blessing of Kaine's office.  They have caved to the right-wing delegates.  The strategy seems to be praise Nichol's achievements, while getting rid of the man.

We can blame the following jokesters and idiots, and they should be contacted and castigated.  But don't forget who took the political way out.  As a W&M parent and Virginia voter, I am not pleased.

Delegate Mark Cole
Fredericksburg, VA
(540) 752-8200
Delegate@MarkLCole.com

Bob Marshall - R
Manassas, VA
703-361-5416
delegatebobmarshall@hotmail.com

Tim Hugo - R
Centreville, VA 20122
(703) 569.1201
campaign@timhugo.com
   



Del Tim Hugo weighs in (Lowell - 2/12/2008 5:27:16 PM)
I appreciate Gene Nichol's service to the College of William and Mary, but I think for the good of the College, he made the best decision by resigning.

Unfortunately, his tenure has seen an unending string of political controversies. He is a nice man, but, I do not believe that he ever made the successful transition from political activist to college president. I wish him well in his future endeavors.

Huh?!?



My thoughts (legacyofmarshall - 2/12/2008 7:22:43 PM)
My voice has been absent on this momentous day due to all that is going on at William & Mary.  I hope all of you at Raising Kaine pay close attention to what is going on - ideally this is a fight that will end in a resounding defeat of politics and a victory of academics.

Sadly, this may be a years-long political battle that only ends up hurting one of the nation's most prestigious schools and one at the top of Virginia's public university system.

My immediate reaction was grief that manifested itself in this message:

"What do we do?
I'm sitting here in Environmental Polic class,
I even need to present a topic in a few minutes
But I can't concentrate.

For so long we held out hope,
thousands of us, students,
we hoped that justice and academics would prevail
over politics and hate.

How wrong we were.
The president of Iran
I can't remember his name right now
He said 'liberalism is the new world religion.'

He honestly believe that people
Would rather accept foreign ideas
That we would rather hope for unity
Than fight for division.

How wrong he was.
People are flawed
We thrive on strive,
We fear hope.

What do I do?
I hope
I pledge to hope
And Act on what I believe in

That's what we did
Thousands of us students
We never gave up our beliefs
And we failed

Failure has never stopped
Good men from doing great things.
We saw it today
Gene Nichol didn't let them buy his integrity.

I won't let failure stop me
I might not be a great man
But I hope.
I swear by hope.

I swear by all I believe in
In my faith
In my people
In those I love.

'I will to hope be true and faithful
Love all that I may,
And shun all fear.'
To paraphrase the feudal oath.

Today hope will drive me to the ballots
I have control over my own future
I will not let anyone else decide my fate
And I will never see anyone

Stand in the way of hope."

-Antonio M. Elias, 12 Feb. 2008



well said (JD - 2/13/2008 12:25:27 PM)
You're undoubtedly a wonderful contribution to the W&M community.  Keep fighting.  With or without a great President, its up to the students and alumni(grassroots), to continue waging this important fight.  Its high time we lessen the southern aristocracy's grip on W&M.