James Madison University - Index

James Madison University - Liberty & Learning - Index

liberty & learning
ceived with a firm conviction in the importance of institutionalizing the doctrine
of separation of church and state. The university thus acquired a strong secular
nature that alarmed many in the community who feared it would be openly hostile
to established religion. Madison assured the critics of the university that “with professorships
of rival sects, it would be an Arena of theological Gladiators” with open
debate and freedom of discussion. 42 Moreover, Madison noted, “although Theology
was not to be taught at the University, its Library ought to contain pretty full
information for such as might voluntarily seek it in that branch of learning.” 43 This
opportunity for free inquiry, Madison hoped, would enable students to develop
their own religious principles and faith without coercion or compulsion.
Construction of what Jefferson referred to as his “academical village” began on
October 6, 1817, with a ceremonial laying of the cornerstone for the school’s first
academic structure (Pavilion VII). 44 Jefferson’s unique and brilliant architectural
plan called for the central feature of the campus to be the Rotunda, which housed
the brain of the university—the library. After finally securing funding from the
state legislature, which had balked at the cost of this “extravagance,” work began in
1823 and proceeded hastily to prevent the lawmakers from changing their minds.
The Rotunda was modeled in scale after the Pantheon in Rome, certainly the best-
An early representation of the Lawn at the University of Virginia. James Madison
was a strong advocate of education and served on the university’s board of visitors.
He was appointed the school’s rector after Thomas Jefferson’s death in 1826.
Madison maintained that “learned Institutions ought to be favorite objects with
every free people. They throw that light over the public mind which is the best
security against crafty and dangerous encroachments on the public liberty.”
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university of virginia liBrary