- Dec 2017
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engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
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In conformity with the principles of our constitution, which places all sects of religion on an equal footing, with the jealousies of the different sects in guarding that equality from encroachment & surprise, and with the sentiments of the legislature in favor of freedom of religion manifested on former occasions, we have proposed no professor of Divinity; and tho rather, as the proofs of the being of a god, the creator, preserver, & supreme ruler of the universe, the author of all the relations of morality, & of the laws & obligations these infer, will be within the province of the professor of ethics;
This passage highlights the founders inclusion of American ideals and values when creating this academic institution. Even though the majority of White men that would be attending the University would be Christian, the founders respected the freedom of religion that is an integral aspect of American society and government. The founders decided not to have a professor on divinity because that would promote the establishment of Christianity as an official religion of the university. This sets the University of Virginia a part from other academic institutions that were founded during this time period because it demonstrates the secular aspects of the University. Many Universities at the time were religiously affilaited, and religious teachings were a huge part of academics. But the founders of UVA stayed true to the ideals of American democracy that cherished the freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. UVA was therefore founded on more secular values and teachings that aimed to produce global citizens who valued the ethics and ideals of American society and government.
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The considerations which have governed the specification of languages to be taught by the professor of Modern Languages were that the French is the language of general intercourse among nations, and as a depository of human Science is unsurpassed by any other language living or dead: that the Spanish is highly interesting to us, as the language spoken by so great a portion of the inhabitants of our Continents, with whom we shall possibly have great intercourse ere long; and is that also in which is written the greater part of the early history of America.
This passage illuminates the founders intentions of producing truly global citizens that will be able to connect and engage in the international community. The purpose of the foreign language requirement was to create educated citizens that will be able to engage in leadership on a global scale. Emphasis was put on Spanish and French, which are two predominant languages used in the international world of business and government. Requiring a foreign language in academics also helps to create an academic learning environment that promotes diversity and immersion into various cultures. This also promotes the exploration and acceptance of other cultures which plays a key role in fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion. Because the founders created this institution for the sole purpose of educating and furthering the prosperity of White men, this is one aspect of the University that unintentionally promotes diversity. The irony is that the foreign language requirement truly promotes the acceptance and immersion of other cultures, but the creation of this intuition was rooted in White male supremacy.
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