University of Virginia Library

Open University

Until recently Mr. Jefferson's inveterate
idea of the separation of church and state had
such a misleading influence on this University
that voluntary religious gatherings by
recognized student organizations were
prohibited in University facilities.

What Mr. Jefferson, in fact, intended was
that space at his University be allotted for
religious worship but that mandatory religious
instruction be prohibited. Moreover, at least
one room in the Rotunda was set aside for
religious meetings.

In an announcement Monday, President
Edgar F. Shannon Jr. endorsed the Calendar
and Scheduling Committee's recommendation
that "officially recognized student religious
groups or students seeking to organize such
groups" be permitted "to use University space
under the same rules that govern other
student organizations and individuals."

We commend Mr. Shannon on his wise
decision to make this an "open University"
where any opportunity for a free exchange of
ideas and beliefs will not be stifled.

We have cleared one more hurdle in
progressing towards a literal interpretation of
the Constitution. Freedom to be religious is
also now a reality at the University.