Delegates clash over decisions at W&M
William & Mary drawing fire from GOP
By CHELYEN DAVIS
Date published: 2/8/2008
RICHMOND-- The House Privileges and Elections Committee yesterday undertook the unusual step of quizzing four members of the William & Mary board of visitors, although some members of the committee called the questioning "inappropriate."
Del. Mark Cole, R-Spotsylvania, the committee chairman, called to Richmond the four board of visitors members--Kathyn Hornsby, John Gerdelman, Anita Poston and Henry Wolf--whose appointments or reappointments must be approved today by the legislature.
He said he wanted to give lawmakers a chance to question them in the wake of a controversial decision by college President Gene Nichol this week to allow a "Sex Workers' Art Show" on the campus.
That came after Nichol last year sparked an outcry by removing a cross from the school's Wren Chapel.
"I acknowledge upfront that this is unusual, but not unprecedented, for this committee to invite for questioning gubernatorial appointees," Cole said in a speech opening the meeting. "In the case of William & Mary in particular, we believe that a set of recent events warrant a more thorough review of those who are charged with its oversight."
The four board of visitors members yesterday gave diplomatic answers to the delegates' questions, describing a board that has the integrity and national standing of William & Mary very much to heart, but which is focused on guiding the college's principles and policies rather than interfering in the day-to-day operations.
"We're not there to run the college," Gerdelman said.
Delegates focused early questions on college matters unrelated to the controversies, such as the percentage of out-of-state admissions, and the way the college spends state money.
But questioning soon turned to the sex workers' show.
"It was in the news and it was embarrassing," said Del. Terrie Suit, R-Virginia Beach.
She asked the board members whether they would promise to reject any budget that includes funding for the show next year.
Wolf replied that the students themselves decide how to spend the student activity fees that are paid for the purpose of bringing entertainment acts to the college.
"The board of visitors doesn't specifically approve a particular program," he said.
When Suit asked again, Wolf said that the board will review its policies, but made no further promises.
The question itself angered some committee members.
Date published: 2/8/2008
Most recent reader comments:
Cole and company should do the job they were elected to rather than censoring colleges and telling them who should be the school President.
How sad !!
(posted by
edwinking
, Feb. 8, 2008 11:05 am)
Great..the moral police are at it again. Why can't they just pass laws againsts everything they oppose? It may be that there is no way such a law could ever be printed. They oppose so much no book could contain their work. Will they never learn ?? Why don't they go back to their efforts to make it a crime to show your drawers? That is really a crime that must be delt with now. There isn't time to deal with transportation,education, health, welfare and other unimportant issues. Go get'um!!!
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