College of William & Mary changes name to more inclusive William & Terry
Mary, the mother of Christ, dropped in favor of gender-neutral Terry.
William and Terry's new non-threatening logo
W & T President Gene Nichol ordered the name change today in keeping with the removal of the Wren Chapel Cross in October. In an email to faculty and students, Nichol said his goal was to create a less "faith specific environment" to ensure that all peoples of all creeds are not offended by overtly Christian icons or names.
W & T President Gene Nichol
Supporters of the decision cite the hostile and exclusive nature the name "Mary" brings and insist that tolerance obligates the college to celebrate and accommodate those who hate Christianity, its symbols, and its contributions.
In addition, a faculty and student committee will convene next month to vote on the removal of the name "William" citing its obvious maleness and its connections to the abuses of imperial England. "Pat," "Francis," and "Alex" are reported to be among the favored replacements.
William and Terry's new non-threatening logo
W & T President Gene Nichol ordered the name change today in keeping with the removal of the Wren Chapel Cross in October. In an email to faculty and students, Nichol said his goal was to create a less "faith specific environment" to ensure that all peoples of all creeds are not offended by overtly Christian icons or names.
W & T President Gene Nichol
Supporters of the decision cite the hostile and exclusive nature the name "Mary" brings and insist that tolerance obligates the college to celebrate and accommodate those who hate Christianity, its symbols, and its contributions.
In addition, a faculty and student committee will convene next month to vote on the removal of the name "William" citing its obvious maleness and its connections to the abuses of imperial England. "Pat," "Francis," and "Alex" are reported to be among the favored replacements.