Gene Nichol Removed Cross from Wren Chapel and Allowed Sex Workers Art Show  

Contact: Natalie Bell, Concerned Women for America, 202-488-7000 ext. 126

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- The controversial term of William & Mary University President Gene Nichols came to an end today.  Nichols' resignation follows his removal of the Wren Chapel's historic cross and his approval of a Sex Workers Art Show earlier this year.  The William & Mary Board of Visitors declined to renew Nichols' contract last Friday.

"Universities have pushed the envelope in censoring Christianity and promoting pornography.  Under the leadership of Gene Nichols, the College of William & Mary, a respected, historic institution, became the poster child of the degradation of higher learning," stated Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America (CWA).  "Virginia Delegate Mark Cole and his colleagues in the Virginia House of Delegates boldly held the public university accountable and helped bring that institution back on track to focus on education, not de-moralizing the students."

Janet Robey, State Director for CWA of Virginia, said, "I would like to praise those state delegates who work diligently every day to promote family values in Virginia.  We need to ensure that our Virginia schools abide by a strict code of ethics."

The Virginia House Privileges and Elections Committee held a hearing last Thursday, questioning nominees to the William and Mary Board of Visitors on the recent decisions made by former President Nichols.  CWA commends the action and courageous stand taken by Committee Chairman Del. Mark Cole (R-Spotsylvania) and other legislators' call for a return to values and the need to hold officials accountable.   

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.