Reaction to Departure of W&M President Illustrates Cultural Divide Underlying the Controversy

Published reaction to William & Mary President Gene Nichol's resignation underscores the "culture war" aspect of the controversy surrounding his departure. The "Think Progressive" website reports on the events under the headline "Right Wing Succeeds in Campaign to Bring Down Progressive College President" while the Christian Broadcasting Network News website, which is affiliated with Rev. Pat Robertson's ministry, announces Nichol's resignation with the headline "William & Mary Pres. Resigns After Scandals".

For an informative analysis of the Wren Chapel cross controversy that played a prominent part in the generation of hostility toward President Nichol among particular constituencies and a segment of Virginia legislators, see the Ira Lupu and Robert Tuttle paper listed among recently published First Amendment articles in Sunday's post here.

JFB