Where religion, ideology and the Web cross
The College of William & Mary's president, Gene R. Nichol, quits -- the latest incident in a string of campus disputes.
By David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
February 17, 2008

WASHINGTON -- The College of William & Mary, the nation's second oldest, lost its president last week after a culture-war clash that began when he ordered the removal of an 18-inch brass cross from the altar of the historic Wren Chapel.

His decision, an act of legal principle to some and a blunder of liberal activism to others, touched off a revolt among conservative bloggers and alumni of the state-supported school in Williamsburg, Va., and led to his resignation Tuesday.

The dispute underscores the deep divide over the role of religion in public institutions, and shows how an ideological firestorm can be sparked on a college campus. the rest