The recent resignation of College of William and Mary President Gene R. Nichol has sparked controversy across Virginia.

During his term, Nichol attracted criticism when he removed a permanent cross display from the university's historic Wren Chapel and, most recently, when he allowed student-sponsored performances of the Sex Workers' Art Show on campus. Nichol announced his resignation on the college Web site two days after the William and Mary Board of Visitors' decision not to renew his contract.

"I was informed by the Rector on Sunday, after our Charter Day celebrations, that my contract will not be renewed in July. Appropriately, serving the college in the wake of such a decision is beyond my imagining," Nichol stated. "Accordingly, I have advised the Rector, and announce today, effective immediately, my resignation as president of the College of William and Mary."

Students gathered to support Nichol with a candlelight vigil after he announced his resignation.

"Although he made controversial decisions, Nichol was a very charismatic leader," William and Mary sophomore Mason Montgomery said. "It was impossible to hate him and losing him was like losing our mascot."

Montgomery said Nichol's resignation ultimately will have a positive impact on the university's reputation.

"Most of the school's bad reputation was linked to Nichol," Montgomery said. "Once the public has finally forgotten the Wren cross, the Sex Workers' Art Show and Nichol's resignation, the university should get back on the right track."

Delegate Brenda L. Pogge, R-Yorktown, said she was concerned about William and Mary's reputation after the controversy surrounding the Sex Workers' Art Show.

"Nichol approved the Sex Workers' Art Show and, thankfully, no laws were broken," Pogge said.

 "The school, however, is a symbol for this state, and I hope its legacy hasn't been tarnished."

Students showed little opposition to two sold-out performances of the Sex Workers' Art Show.

Tim White, a second-year student at John Tyler Community College, said he would consider applying to William and Mary after the controversy dies down.

"I think Nichol made the right decision by stepping down," White said. "Right now, students are sad to see him leave, but if he allowed groups such as the Sex Workers' Art Show to come on campus, it creates a negative atmosphere." White said the art show did not serve an academic purpose and should not return to William and Mary.

"I believe colleges need regulations and limitations," White said. "Nichol chose to ignore those regulations and, ultimately, his departure will lead to a positive outcome."

Source: Commonwealth Times, USA