William and Mary president’s resignation sparks controversy

The recent resignation of College of William and
Mary President Gene R. Nichol has sparked controversy
across Virginia.

During his term, Nichol attracted criticism when he
removed a permanent cross display from the university’s
historic Wren Chapel and, most recently, when he
allowed student-sponsored performances of the Sex
Workers’ Art Show on campus. Nichol announced his
resignation on the college Web site two days after the
William and Mary Board of Visitors’ decision not to
renew his contract.

“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,”
Nichol stated. “Accordingly, I have advised the Rector, and
announce today, effective immediately, my resignation as
president of the College of William and Mary.”

Students gathered to support Nichol with a candlelight
vigil after he announced his resignation.

“Although he made controversial decisions, Nichol was
a very charismatic leader,” William and Mary sophomore
Mason Montgomery said. “It was impossible to hate him
and losing him was like losing our mascot.”

Montgomery said Nichol’s resignation ultimately will
have a positive impact on the university’s reputation.

“Most of the school’s bad reputation was linked to
Nichol,” Montgomery said. “Once the public has finally
forgotten the Wren cross, the Sex Workers’ Art Show
and Nichol’s resignation, the university should get back
on the right track.”

Delegate Brenda L. Pogge, R-Yorktown, said she was
concerned about William and Mary’s reputation after the
controversy surrounding the Sex Workers’ Art Show.

“Nichol approved the Sex Workers’ Art Show and,
thankfully, no laws were broken,” Pogge said. “The school,
however, is a symbol for this state, and I hope its legacy
hasn’t been tarnished.”

Students showed little opposition to two sold-out performances
of the Sex Workers’ Art Show.

Tim White, a second-year student at John Tyler Community
College, said he would consider applying to William
and Mary after the controversy dies down.

“I think Nichol made the right decision by stepping down,”

White said. “Right now, students are sad to see him leave,
but if he allowed groups such as the Sex Workers’ Art Show
to come on campus, it creates a negative atmosphere.”
White said the art show did not serve an academic purpose
and should not return to William and Mary.

“I believe colleges need regulations and limitations,” White
said. “Nichol chose to ignore those regulations and, ultimately,
his departure will lead to a positive outcome.”