Letter to the Virginia Gazette

To the Editor:

In reference to Gene Nichol’s newest college tradition (State of the College Address) and its stated purpose for this year: Amidst 10,000 petitioners who have voiced their wishes to have the Wren Cross reinstated, Nichol’s aim now appears to be dialogue. We already have three statements of his clearly articulated vision for Wren Chapel; the time for dialogue was before his unilateral action of October when he ordered the removal of a cross from a Christian Chapel. He now wants this decision to be sustained in a morass of emotions, feel-good sessions that he will lead with flowery rhetoric. Facts and logic should be the arguing points, not feelings.

But the time for arguing is almost over. The William and Mary Board of Visitors will meet February 8-9. At the top of their agenda should be an open discussion of the Cross removal, Nichol’s role in that removal, and the outcry from alumni and citizens over the act and Nichol’s brand of leadership. He is probably hoping that the Board of Visitors will postpone discussion until the so-called dialogue is concluded – whenever that open-ended idea has run its course, which may be never since he is in control of the forum scheduling. His strategy is to distract and delay. I hope the Board will heed the call to put this issue on their February agenda and lead the College to the rational conclusion of this debacle: Nichol’s resignation.

Karla Kraynak Bruno
Class of 81 and 92
Williamsburg, VA
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Let me add one comment to this excellent Letter to the Editor. "Amidst 10,000 petitioners who have voiced their wishes to have the Wren Cross reinstated..." Doesn't it sound as though the Wren Cross has somehow been a "bad or naughty" student. That it should even have to be "reinstated" is absurd.

I too, in my e-mail to the BOV, suggested that it is Nichol who needs to be "removed", not the Wren Cross. The Save the Wren Cross.org folks and the thousands who have signed petitions and sent letters to the BOV are fighting tyranny right here in Williamsburg, Virginia. First it was "taxation without representation", now it is "banishment and condemnation without trial."

I would say that Nichol should be ashamed but he probably can't be. I am certain he did not plan on the students, alumni, and concerned citizens rising in outrage at his arrogant display of power. The BOV would be well-advised to pay off the rest of his contract and remove him for "conduct unbecoming" a President of The College of William and Mary.